Why you never see Prince George wearing anything other than shorts.

"It's a very English thing to dress a young boy in shorts. Trousers are for older boys and men, whereas shorts on young boys is one of those silent class markers that we have in England," he told Harpers Bazaar UK. (Post continues after gallery.)

"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."

Translation: trousers on a young boy is "common". Frightful, even. Noted.

It's a custom Prince William and Prince Harry dutifully followed as children themselves, wearing only shorts until they were deemed "ready" to progress to full-length pants.

Image: Getty

This 'graduation' usually occurs at around the eight year mark.

"This is, historically, perhaps due to the practice of 'breeching', which dates back to the sixteenth century. A newborn boy would be dressed in a gown for their first year or two (these gowns have survived as the modern Christening robe) and then he was 'breeched' and wore articles of clothing that more resembled shorts or trousers than dresses," Hanson explained.

So while Kate Middleton might be praised for her on-trend, designer choices, Prince George and his shorts are one tradition you probably won't see disappearing any time soon.

Image: Getty

"The modern habit of upper class families choosing to dress their boys in shorts will deliberately hark back to a bygone age. The British upper set are always keen to hold on to tradition, and this one also silently marks them out from 'the rest'," he said.

Considering Britain's not exactly warm weather, here's hoping there's a cold weather exception.

Image: Getty