Jump directly to the content
SHOES IDEA WAS THAT?

Princess Charlotte is wearing uncle Prince Harry’s red Start-rite shoes from 1986

PRINCESS Charlotte is following in Prince Harry’s footsteps – by borrowing a pair of his shoes.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s two-year-old daughter has been spotted in the bright-red Mary Janes during her five-day tour of Poland and Germany.

 Princess Charlotte, pictured with mum Kate, has been spotted wearing a pair of red buckled shoes that once belonged to Prince Harry
6
Princess Charlotte, pictured with mum Kate, has been spotted wearing a pair of red buckled shoes that once belonged to Prince HarryCredit: Getty Images - WireImage

The leather Start-rite pumps, which she wore with a floral Liberty-print dress, are hand-me-downs from her uncle.

Harry first rocked the buckled shoes back in 1986 at Highgrove House, Gloucestershire, and in a portrait taken at Kensington Palace.

But it isn’t unusual for the royal family to clothes swap.

Prince George’s style has often mimicked Prince William’s as a child, with revealing: “Many items of royal clothing are carefully persevered, stored away afterwards for potential exhibits, but also in case anyone from the royal family may wish to reuse them.”

For last year’s Trooping Of The Colour, the toddler wore a Peter Pan collar shirt and blue shorts that Prince William wore to Harry’s christening in the early 1980s.

Numerous age-old etiquette rules govern what the royals must wear when performing their public duties.

 Harry, pictured with parents Prince Charles and Princess Diana, first rocked the buckled shoes back in 1986 at Highgrove House
6
Harry, pictured with parents Prince Charles and Princess Diana, first rocked the buckled shoes back in 1986 at Highgrove HouseCredit: Getty Images
 Prince Harry, aged two, poses for a portrait with brother William and his parents, Charles and Diana
6
Prince Harry, aged two, poses for a portrait with brother William and his parents, Charles and DianaCredit: Getty Images

George is rarely seen in trousers or dungarees and, according to an etiquette expert, there’s a very snobby reason behind it.

William Hanson claims that shorts on young boys are a silent British class marker and trousers are deemed “suburban” – something no self-respecting royal would want to be considered.

The Queen regularly wears gloves, which are often Michael Jackson-esque white or a dark-toned leather to match her handbag.

 Prince George is often seen in shorts as trousers are deemed for men only, says an etiquette expert
6
Prince George is often seen in shorts as trousers are deemed for men only, says an etiquette expertCredit: Getty Images
 The Queen wears gloves when attending official engagements to avoid spreading germs
6
The Queen wears gloves when attending official engagements to avoid spreading germsCredit: Getty Images

The monarch wears these for practical reasons during the daytime as she is frequently required to shake hands with hundreds of people.

This fashion item helps stop germs being spread from person to person.

Meanwhile, Kate only began wearing tiaras when she was married as they are seen as a "status symbol".

 Kate, pictured at a state banquet, only began wearing tiaras after the Royal Wedding
6
Kate, pictured at a state banquet, only began wearing tiaras after the Royal WeddingCredit: Getty Images
Topics