Yes, like his mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, the toddler’s fashion choices are studied and questioned by critics and media alike. And, lately, George’s apparent antipathy for long pants has become a topic of conversation.

While it might seem a tad strange a little boy is always wearing shorts with knee-high socks in 50-degree weather (like he did on the recent royal tour of Canada), the reasoning behind the style is quite simple: It’s customary in English society for young boys to wear shorts instead of trousers for a time, because it’s viewed as more respectable.

“It’s a very English thing to dress a young boy in shorts,” etiquette expert William Hanson told Harper’s Bazaar U.K. “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. Even the Duchess of Cambridge.”

The classist transition to longer trousers comes with age; usually young men of distinguished backgrounds make the switch around 8 years old.

Prince George is following in the footsteps of Prince William and Prince Harry, who also abided by the practice when they were younger.

The royals are notorious for sticking to their traditions, despite how antiquated and strange they might seem.

However, William and Kate have managed to break out of that mold in some ways. In June, Prince William caused a stir when he leaned down to speak to his son while standing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with his family. The queen was apparently not pleased and immediately instructed he stand upright. Despite how small this gesture might have seemed, it’s just another sign that Prince William and Kate are doing things their own way. Prince George could be wearing trousers in no time!