Kate Middleton Bans 'Barbaric' Blood Ritual for Royal Kids: Good for Her!

Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, is reportedly putting her foot down on a particularly gruesome royal tradition: "blooding." Royal author Tom Quinn claims in his new book, "Yes Ma’am – The Secret Life of Royal Servants," that Kate is not allowing Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis to participate in this ritual.

Blooding involves smearing the blood of a first kill during a fox or stag hunt on the face of a royal family member. Yeah, I know, **totally medieval!**

Several royal experts have chimed in, unsurprisingly not shocked by Quinn's claims. British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard questioned why Kate would allow her children to be traumatized by such an archaic practice, emphasizing the importance of nature and life over blood sports.

According to excerpts, Kate, 43, is adamant that her children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, won’t partake in this “ancient ritual.” Quinn noted that King Charles and his sons, William and Harry, all underwent the rite as children.

British royals expert Hilary Fordwich noted that Kate's middle-class upbringing gives her a more modern approach to parenting, which is respected by both Prince William and King Charles III. Fordwich explained that Kate is seen as an excellent mother with great instincts, and Prince William is keen to appear current, aligning with national trends. Their home life is notably different, with no live-in nanny or staff, as Kate aims for a 'normal' childhood for her children, including assigning them chores.

Quinn also wrote that while William, 42, was "keen" to get the children into shooting, he also noted that "few" expected Kate to "allow" her children to take part in the blooding tradition.

Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner said Kate’s reported decision was a no-brainer, stating, "The reality of shooting an animal and then smearing blood on a child’s face may be par for the course as a royal tradition where hunting and countryside sports are engaged enthusiastically, But we live in 2025, not 1725. Thus, the tradition is a brutal waste of an animal’s life."

Harry detailed his own blooding experience in his memoir, "Spare," recalling being forced to push his head inside the carcass of a stag he shot. The book's revelations prompted PETA to condemn his actions.

Chard emphasized that Kate’s modern approach reflects her renewed sense of self and purpose as she prepares for her role as queen, balancing health, service, and family. She aims to remind people to nurture their children and focus on well-being.

Princess Diana also reportedly disliked hunting, with Ken Wharfe, her former protection officer, claiming she found the royal shooting obsession repugnant. Diana reportedly told William and Harry, "Remember, there’s always someone in a high-rise flat who doesn't want to see you shoot a Bambi."

It’s great to see Kate standing her ground and prioritizing her kids' well-being over some outdated, frankly gross, tradition. **More power to her!**