In a bold move that’s sending shockwaves through royal circles, Princess of Wales Kate Middleton is reportedly putting her foot down against a centuries-old royal tradition—and her stance could change the future of the monarchy.
According to multiple reports, Prince George, now 11 years old, was expected to be “initiated” into the aristocracy’s ancient tradition of stag-hunting this summer during the family’s upcoming stay at Balmoral.
The practice, followed by royals for generations, includes the ritualistic “blooding” of first-time hunters—a symbolic moment where the blood of the animal is smeared on the young hunter’s face after their first kill.
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe, author of Prince Harry: The Inside Story, has previously claimed that Prince George may soon follow in the footsteps of his great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth and uncle Prince Harry, who both participated in the ritual during their younger years.
Larcombe also noted that Kate once joined the royals on a shoot years ago, suggesting she is not unfamiliar with the practice or the setting.
However, a new report from Marie Claire reveals that Kate is standing firm in her decision to shield her children from what she reportedly sees as an outdated and disturbing royal custom.
Citing royal expert Tom Quinn, the publication says, “Charles’s daughter-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales, has put her foot down and insisted there will be no blooding for her children.”
Kate’s rejection of the ritual could mark a significant turning point in how future royal generations are raised—and she appears unapologetically committed to that change.
Quinn further noted that the future queen has previously forbidden Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis from taking part in any form of “blooding,” regardless of longstanding tradition.
While Prince William is said to respect the custom as part of royal heritage, it’s clear that Kate is drawing a line where her children’s emotional and moral development is concerned.
Their upcoming visit to Balmoral, the late Queen Elizabeth’s cherished Scottish estate, was expected to be the perfect setting for George’s “initiation.” Now, it seems those plans may be quietly scrapped.
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Critics of the tradition argue that blooding is needlessly brutal, especially when it involves children. They applaud Kate’s modern, compassionate stance and view it as part of her broader approach to parenting.
For Kate, who is known to fiercely protect her children’s privacy and mental well-being, this latest move aligns perfectly with her values. It also sets her apart from many royal consorts of the past.
Prince George is second in line to the throne and faces a future of intense public scrutiny. Kate appears determined to protect his innocence for as long as possible—starting with saying no to archaic blood rituals.
Supporters of the royal tradition see blooding as a rite of passage and a way to connect young royals with their heritage. But Kate clearly sees it as unnecessary and inappropriate in today’s world.
As she prepares to one day become queen consort, Kate is proving that she’s not afraid to challenge the old rules, especially when her children’s welfare is at stake.
With Prince William and Kate’s influence only growing, this decision may not only impact their own family—it could also set a new tone for how royal children are raised in the modern age.
By taking a stand, Kate Middleton is showing the world that being royal doesn’t have to mean following every tradition especially when those traditions clash with 21st-century values.
