Kate Middleton Refused to Let Her Kids Have ‘Blooding’ Initiation

For centuries, young royals have been expected to partake in an age-old tradition known as “blooding”—a grisly rite of passage involving a first kill during a hunt and having their faces smeared with its blood. But times are changing, and so is the Royal Family.

According to a newly released book, Yes, Ma’am – The Secret Life of Royal Servants by Tom Quinn, the Princess of Wales has drawn a clear line: her children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—will not be subjected to this practice.

A royal insider quoted in the book stated, “Catherine has put her foot down and made it clear that this outdated tradition stops with her children. She respects tradition, but this is one she simply cannot accept.”

A Royal Rite with Deep Roots

The “blooding” tradition has long been part of the aristocratic hunting culture in Britain, tracing back centuries to a time when hunting was both sport and necessity. King Charles III himself underwent the ritual as a child, as did Princes William and Harry. The latter gave a particularly vivid account of his experience in his memoir, Spare.

Prince Harry described his own initiation into the practice at age 15 after killing a stag at Balmoral. He recounted how his hunting guide pushed his head into the carcass, filling his nose and mouth with blood and entrails. While he described it as a rite of passage, the account sparked backlash from animal rights groups, including PETA.

A Modern Princess with a Different Vision

While Kate has embraced many royal customs with grace, she has long been uneasy about blood sports. “She understands the significance of tradition,” a palace source told The Telegraph, “but she also believes that certain practices should evolve with the times. For her, there is no justification for exposing her children to this.”

This stance aligns with Prince William’s increasingly cautious approach. Though he has enjoyed hunting in the past, he has become more mindful of public opinion, especially as animal welfare concerns grow.

Author Tom Quinn previously wrote in Gilded Youth (2023) that even William had begun re-evaluating the role of hunting in his family’s future. “The royal family still sees it as part of their heritage, but William knows the tide is turning. And Kate has certainly played a role in shaping that shift.”

A Tradition Under Scrutiny

The debate over “blooding” is not new. Animal rights activists have long condemned it, and public opinion has shifted significantly. Even back in 1914, Henry Salt, a prominent humanitarian, decried such customs as “loathsome and unnecessary.” In 2014, public outrage erupted when socialite Susannah Constantine posted a photo of her 10-year-old daughter covered in blood after a hunting trip.

While some traditionalists argue that hunting and its customs preserve British heritage, the younger generation of royals appears to be taking a different path. “Kate is focused on raising her children with strong values,” a source close to the Princess said. “For her, that means showing respect for nature and avoiding unnecessary cruelty.”

The Future of Royal Traditions

This decision by the Princess of Wales is yet another example of how she continues to modernize the monarchy while maintaining its dignity. “She’s not making a political statement—she’s making a maternal one,” royal biographer Angela Levin noted. “Kate understands her role, but more importantly, she understands her responsibility as a mother.”

With Catherine taking a firm stand, the question remains: will this be the moment that finally ends “blooding” for good? If so, it would mark a significant departure from centuries of royal tradition—one driven not by royal decree, but by a mother’s instincts.