Princess Charlotte: Why do Kate Middleton & Prince William always style royal in dresses?

Princess Charlotte turns four years old today. Despite seeming very relaxed in front of the cameras at previous events which were shared with the world – such as the day Prince Louis was born and a number of royal weddings – the youngster hasn’t been seen all that much. That’s because Kate Middleton and Prince William have understandably chosen to ensure their children get to grow up with as much privacy as possible. However, to mark the four-year-old’s special day today, a series of photographs of the youngster have been released.

The Duchess of Cambridge is a keen photographer, and took the photographs last month.

In two shots, the young princess can be seen running outside in the grounds of their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall.

And, in another capture, the youngster is pictured sitting on some grass at Kensington Palace.

She is dressed in two different outfits for the three photo.

In the countryside shots, Princess Charlotte wears a tartan dress, as well as blue tights and a grey cardigan.

The other capture shows her styled in a pale blue floral dress which has a white collar – as well as dark blue and white pumps.

Princess Charlotte is often seen wearing dresses, while her brothers have regularly been seen sporting shorts during their early years.

At more recent royal sightings, Prince George was dressed in trousers.

The days of male and female genders having to stick to rigid dress codes of trousers and skirts are long since over.

So, is there a particular reason why Kate and Prince William have continued to stick to these more traditional styles?

Childrenswear designer Rachel Riley has dressed Prince George, and told The Telegraph is was an effort to avoid the youngster’s style looking “out of date”.

But, royal expert and Royal Musings blog founder Marlene Koenig confirmed that there is not a particular protocol on the matter.

Speaking to BAZAAR.com, she said: “There are no rules about no pants. If the Duchess is in a dress in public and Charlotte is with her, most likely Charlotte, at this age, will be in a dress – also in formal portraits, or on the balcony for the Trooping of the Colour.”

Princess Charlotte has been seen wearing shorts back in 2016, while playing with Prince George, five, and their nanny.

Why did Prince George previously wear shorts to royal events?

It seems that this is an aristocratic tradition, and not doing so is considered “suburban”.

Etiquette expert William Hanson said: “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.”