While the royal couple want to raise their children with the most normal of upbringings as possible, they still have to adhere to strict dress codes.

And it turns out that Prince William and Duchess Kate’s decision to eschew pants, jeans and trousers actually comes down to old school aristocratic traditions.

Etiquette expert William Hanson revealed to Harper’s Bazaar UK, that it would be considered “suburban” to dress children of the upper class in anything but shorts.

“It’s a very English thing to dress a young boy in shorts,” he explained.

“Trousers are for older boys and men, whereas shorts on young boys is one of those 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. Even the Duchess of Cambridge.”

The etiquette guru also predicts George will start wearing long pants around the age of five.

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

Looking back on vintage photos of Prince Harry and Prince William in their childhoods, it’s clear to see that this tradition has stayed well and truly alive within in the British Royal Family.

On each of their sweet outings, the brothers can be seen donning above-the-knee numbers, no doubt picked out by their ever stylish mother, Princess Diana.

In terms of the soon-to-be five-year-old’s signature look, William Hanson has a theory that rather than a class comment about suburban vs. aristocratic, Kate’s decision to eschew trousers is probably much more to do with tradition.

“The modern habit of upper class families choosing to dress their boys in shorts will deliberately hark back to a bygone age,” he told Harper’s

“The British upper set are always keen to hold on to tradition, and this one also silently marks them out from ‘the rest.'”

True to form, the Cambridges have only ever dressed their son in trousers for the public to see just once – and it was a few months out from his fifth birthday.

In May this year, George looked very grown-up in a miniature version of the Blues and Royals frockcoat at his uncle Prince Harry’s wedding for his all-important role as pageboy.

The dapper outfit was custom-made for the young bridal party by Savile Row tailors Dege & Skinner and each suit had the child’s initials embroidered in gold on the shoulder.

Naturally, twitter blew up with excitement!

Shorts or trousers, we love you either way George.

Text: Bauer