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This is the reason why Prince George always wears shorts

Getty Images
Getty Images

At just four year’s old, Prince George is probably one of the most adorable fashion influencers out there.

As well as making a strong case for the perfect side-parting, the young royal has single-handedly sparked a revival in traditional childrenswear looks thanks to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - who regularly dress their little ones in vintage-inspired threads.

But while the rompers come and go, there’s one beloved wardrobe essential in particular that you’ll never spot him without: his shorts.

Whether teaming them with knee-high socks or going casual with some tiny Crocs, little George is rarely photographed out and about without a pair.

Take last week’s royal tour of Germany and Poland for instance, where the royal tot was photographed three times in the same set of navy shorts.

If you’ve ever wondered why the young prince is always rocking such old-fashioned get ups (and yes - we have too) an etiquette expert has finally shed some light on his unusually dapper wardrobe choices.

“It’s a very English thing to dress a young boy in shorts,” William Hanson told Harper's Bazaar.

“Trousers are for older boys and men, whereas shorts on younger boys are one of the silent class markers that we have in England.

“Although times are (slowly) changing, a pair of trousers on a young boy is considered quite middle class–quite suburban. And no self-respecting aristo or royal would want to be considered suburban.”

(Matt Porteous/Duke and Duchess of Cambridge)
(Matt Porteous/Duke and Duchess of Cambridge)

While there’s no mistaking that a pair of shorts makes you look like you mean business, Hanson is quick to clarify that it’s unlikely that the Royal brood are throwing shade at the rest of the country.

He believes that the family most likely maintains the tradition as a nod to the past, rather than to separate themselves from other classes.

Cast your mind back to the Eighties and you might even recall seeing Prince William and Prince Harry in similar styles.

“The British upper set are always keen to hold onto to tradition” Hanson explained.

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

But while they’re happy to keep little George in a rotating wardrobe of chino shorts, there is one antiquated fashion rule that The Duke and Duchess have thoroughly decided to ditch.

“A newborn boy would be dressed in a gown for their first year or two,” says Hanson, “and then he was ‘breeched’ and wore articles of clothing that more resembled shorts or trousers than dresses.

“The usual custom is that a boy graduates to trousers around eight years old.”