Prince George has sparked a fresh royal fashion frenzy after stepping out in a red half-zip jumper during a pre-Christmas volunteering visit with his father, Prince William, prompting comparisons with the so-called ‘Kate effect’.
The 11-year-old joined the Prince of Wales at The Passage in central London, a homelessness charity long supported by the family, where they helped prepare Christmas lunch and care packages for guests.
Images from the visit quickly circulated online, with attention turning to George’s outfit — a Boden Red Heritage Half-Zip Jumper sold by Next.
The jumper, priced between £37 and £42, is described by the retailer as “a toasty jumper” made from a wool-rich and cotton blend, featuring a zip-up high neck and designed as an easy layering piece for outdoor wear.
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Shortly after the photographs were published, multiple sizes were listed as unavailable on the Next website.
Royal watchers were quick to note the familiar pattern, drawing parallels with Princess Kate’s long-established ability to sell out clothing within hours of being photographed.
On social media, several users suggested the phenomenon may now be extending to the Waleses’ eldest child.
One fan wrote: “I am not surprised at all. Such a kind young man. Following in his Grandma Diana’s and Papa’s footsteps. George is the future!”
Prince George sparks fashion frenzy as ‘Kate effect’ passes to next generation
|GETTY
Another commented on the accessibility of the item, saying: “Love Boden, good quality and still priced accessibly. It shows what a down to earth mother Catherine is.”
Others praised the outfit choice more simply, with one posting heart emojis alongside the image, while another described the look as “classic and practical — just like his mum’s style”.
The appearance came during a visit with deep personal significance for Prince William.
The Passage was famously visited by his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1993, when she brought a young William and Harry to learn more about homelessness.
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The future King helping with the food preparation at The Passage
|ANDREW PARSONS / KENSINGTON PAALCE
More than 30 years later, William returned with his own son, continuing that legacy.
George was seen signing the visitors’ book, reportedly on the same page once signed by both his father and grandmother, marking a symbolic moment for the future heir.
Kensington Palace said the Prince of Wales was keen for his son to understand the charity’s work and the importance of giving back.
While the focus of the day was firmly on volunteering rather than fashion, the reaction to George’s jumper underlines the enduring public interest in the Wales family — even during low-key engagements.
Prince George's jumper has mostly sold out
|NEXT
Unlike formal royal appearances, the visit showed George dressed in a practical, high-street outfit, reinforcing the family’s reputation for relatability.
The product listings suggest the jumper proved difficult to buy following the outing.
As Prince George gradually takes on more public-facing moments alongside his parents, the response to his appearance at The Passage suggests royal watchers are already paying close attention — not just to what he does, but what he wears.