Kate Middleton takes a stand against THIS archaic royal tradition — Here's why

Kate Middleton may embrace many royal customs, but there is one age-old tradition she refuses to let her children take part in—the controversial practice of "blooding."

According to Tom Quinn’s new book, Yes Ma’am: The Secret Lives of Royal Servants, the Princess of Wales has banned her three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—from participating in the royal hunting tradition.

The ritual, known as "blooding," involves smearing blood from a fox or stag hunt on a child’s face after their first kill—a practice that dates back centuries.

Speaking to Fox News Digital, British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard praised Kate’s stance against the practice, calling it “archaic and barbaric.”

"Why would Princess Catherine allow her children to be traumatized by the archaic and barbaric blooding ritual?" Chard questioned.

She further emphasized that the outdoors should be about nature and healing, not a rite of passage involving blood sports.

"The great outdoors encompasses feel-good nature, life, and healing, not a rite of passage and the acceptance of blood sports," Chard said.

"I wouldn’t expect anything less from authentic Princess Catherine. Blooding may be perceived as an aristocratic sport or royal tradition, but blood sports are inhumane and belong to the Dark Ages."

While hunting has long been associated with the British aristocracy, Kate’s modern parenting approach suggests a departure from outdated customs that no longer align with contemporary values.

As Prince William and Kate continue raising their children with a balance of tradition and personal values, their rejection of blooding signals a shift in how future royals may embrace—or move away from—certain customs.

How many children do Prince William and Kate Middleton have?

Prince William and Kate Middleton are proud parents to three children. The couple first met while studying at St. Andrews University in Scotland and later married in 2011. Their eldest child, Prince George, is 11 years old, followed by their daughter, Princess Charlotte, who is nine, and their youngest son, Prince Louis, who is six.

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