Prince Harry recalls disturbing moment from ‘barbaric’ royal tradition Prince George could be forced to take part in
Prince Harry’s disturbing account of a royal hunting ritual has resurfaced amid reports Prince George may soon participate. In his memoir *Spare*, Harry described the centuries-old “blooding” tradition at Balmoral when he was 15.
The ritual involves smearing a hunter’s face with their first kill’s blood. Harry recalled being forcibly pushed into a stag’s carcass by his guide Sandy, describing the overwhelming smell of blood and guts that left him unable to breathe.
“After a minute I couldn’t smell anything, because I couldn’t breathe,” Harry wrote. “My nose and mouth were full of blood, guts and a deep, upsetting warmth.” His guide prevented him from wiping off the blood, insisting it should dry naturally.
Harry later revealed his first blooding actually occurred earlier, when his nanny Tiggy Legge-Bourke smeared rabbit blood on his face. Despite initial revulsion, he eventually felt “swelling pride” about the experience.
The tradition has drawn criticism from animal rights activists. Reports suggest Kate Middleton previously opposed her children participating, with a 2023 book claiming she “put her foot down” against George, Charlotte and Louis undergoing blooding.
However, recent rumors indicate 10-year-old Prince George might take part this summer, following in the footsteps of his grandfather King Charles, father Prince William, and uncle Harry. The potential participation has reignited debate about the controversial practice.
Buckingham Palace hasn’t commented on whether George will continue the tradition. The reports highlight ongoing tensions between preserving royal customs and modern sensibilities about animal welfare and childhood experiences.
