A debate within the royal family about passing on the ritual
The hunting tradition has long been part of royal life, with King Charles and both his sons—William and Harry—taking part in blooding during their youth. But it has become an increasingly controversial subject, especially amid public criticism from animal rights advocates and modern expectations around childhood.
In early 2024, the topic re-emerged following reports that Prince George, the eldest son of Prince William and Princess Kate, might be introduced to blooding as early as this summer. This was notable in part because Kate has previously been firm in her opposition to the ritual.
In the book Yes Ma’am – The Secret Life of Royal Servants by Tom Quinn, an excerpt shared by Femail revealed that the Princess of Wales had been “adamant” that none of her children—George, Charlotte, or Louis—would take part in the custom. “Catherine… has put her foot down and insisted there will be no blooding for her children,” Quinn wrote.
Still, speculation has grown in recent months, with unnamed palace sources suggesting the possibility that George could join his father and grandfather in the tradition, continuing the line of succession in royal field sports.
The royal family’s relationship with hunting is deep-rooted and symbolic, but as society shifts and public values evolve, rituals like blooding raise new questions. For some, they are an echo of heritage. For others, they are a reminder of how far removed royal traditions can be from modern sensibilities.
