Royal Hand-Me-Down! Prince Louis Wears Brother Prince George's Shorts in Adorable New Photos
From one royal closet to another!
Kate Middleton is passing her love of recycling outfits onto her three children by having them wear each other’s hand-me-downs. In new portraits released on Monday to celebrate the first birthday of Prince Louis, the smiley little prince is wearing clothing that once belonged to his big brother, 5-year-old Prince George.
In two of the images taken by Kate, Louis sports a red sweater with buttons on one shoulder over a bodysuit with a peter pan collar by Amaia paired with navy shorts and knee socks also by the kids brand. If those shorts look familiar, it’s because Prince George wore them for an official Christmas photo in 2014. The blonde royal sat on the steps of Kensington Palace for the portraits, pairing the blue shorts with matching knee socks and a vest depicting soldiers.
Whatever the weather, George and Louis have always appeared in shorts for official royal photographs and events. It’s considered tradition in England for young boys to do so, especially in upper-class society. The concept dates back to the 16th century when boys were dressed in gowns until they were toddlers, after which they would be “breeched” and put into shorts.
“Boys wear short trousers until they are 8,” editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine Ingrid Seward has previously told PEOPLE. “It is very English.”
It’s not the first time Louis has worn his big brother’s shorts. For the Cambridge family Christmas photo, Louis wore the same pair while posing in Kate’s arms.
Prince Louis also wore the “Alex” from Early Days, shoes that once belonged to Prince George, in the holiday portrait. George wore them on his first tour in April 2014 when he was 8 months old.
Even Princess Charlotte has gotten in on the hand-me-down fun. For a portrait released shortly after Louis’ birth as well as the Christmas family photo, the princess wore a blue knitted cardigan from Spanish brand Fina Ejerique that George wore for the Queen’s 90th birthday portrait back in April 2016.
“We are really proud that our cardigan has become one of their favorite pieces, worn by both Prince George and Princess Charlotte. It’s really a great honor,” Ana Perez, Creative Director of Fina Ejerique, previously told PEOPLE.
