The Princess of Wales has reportedly opposed a long-standing royal hunting tradition for her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. According to the royal book Yes, Ma'am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants by Tom Quinn, Catherine has insisted that her children will not take part in "blooding," a practice where the blood of a first kill is smeared on a young hunter's face.
Princess Kate's Opposition to Blooding
The book states: "Charles's daughter-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales, has put her foot down and insisted there will be no blooding for her children." This decision is notable, as Prince William was introduced to the tradition at a young age.
Prince Harry also recounted the tradition in his book Spare, describing being taken to observe it at age 15 by a hunting guide named Sandy. Harry alleged that after shooting a deer, Sandy pushed his head into the animal carcass, taking the tradition too far.
Harry's Recollection of the Tradition
Harry wrote: "I tried to pull away, but Sandy pushed me deeper. I was shocked by his insane strength. And by the infernal smell. My breakfast jumped up from my stomach." Despite the ordeal, Harry found some solace in the practice, noting that managing deer numbers helped ensure the population's survival and provided food for the community around Balmoral.
He added: "Finally, I'd been good to the community. A big stag in the larder meant plenty of good meat for those living around Balmoral." Harry described the experience as "baptismal," saying, "I wasn't religious, but this 'blood facial' was, to me, baptismal."
Focus on a Normal Upbringing
Prince William and Catherine are known to want their children to experience as normal an upbringing as possible. Earlier this week, during a visit to The Treehouse Children's Hospice, Catherine spoke of her excitement at welcoming George home after his first term of boarding at Eton College. George had his first day at the school in September, following in his father's and uncle's footsteps.
Catherine was heard telling Denise Ashton, 68, that she was "looking forward" to welcoming George home. Denise said: "She said she's looking forward to George coming home - she's missed him." She added: "They may be going somewhere (during the break)." The couple's two younger children are still students at Lambrook School and are now on half-term alongside their parents and big brother.
