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Princess Kate Says “No” to Royal “Blooding” Ritual for Her Children
The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, is reportedly breaking with royal tradition by refusing to allow her three children to participate in the “blooding” ritual. This practice, which involves smearing the blood of a first kill during a hunt onto the face, has been a long-standing custom among members of the royal family. Author Tom Quinn, in his new book “Yes Ma’am – The Secret Life of Royal Servants,” claims Kate is adamant that Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis will not take part.
Several royal experts have expressed support for Kate’s decision. British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard called the ritual “archaic and barbaric,” questioning why any parent would subject their children to such an experience.
She emphasized that the outdoors should be associated with positive experiences, not blood sports. Royal expert Hilary Fordwich suggested that Kate’s middle-class upbringing and modern parenting approach are likely factors in her decision, noting that both Prince William and King Charles respect her instincts as a mother.
According to Fordwich, William is also keen to modernize the royal family’s image and has supported Kate’s preferences, including a more hands-on approach to raising their children without live-in staff. This desire for a “normal” childhood extends to assigning chores to their children. Quinn’s book also suggests that William himself is grappling with the declining public support for traditional royal pastimes like hunting, questioning their suitability for his children in the present day.
While William reportedly enjoys hunting, Quinn noted that few expected Kate to condone her children’s participation in the blooding ritual. Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner echoed this sentiment, calling the tradition a “brutal waste of an animal’s life” in modern times.
Prince Harry, in his memoir “Spare,” detailed his own unsettling experience with the blooding ritual, describing being forced to put his face into the carcass of a stag he had shot. The graphic account drew condemnation from animal rights groups.
Chard believes Kate’s stance on blooding reflects her evolving role as a future queen and her commitment to modernizing the monarchy. She highlighted Kate’s focus on well-being and family, particularly through her work on early childhood development. Chard commended the Prince and Princess of Wales for recognizing that blooding is an outdated practice that should be abandoned.
Kate’s reported aversion to hunting echoes the sentiments of the late Princess Diana, who reportedly disliked the practice and discouraged her sons from participating. Despite their mother’s reservations, both William and Harry reportedly enjoyed hunting as children.