Kate Middleton's decision to forgo a royal family ritual for her children has sparked discussions on tradition and modern parenting.
Fox News reported that the Princess of Wales has chosen not to allow her children to engage in the aristocratic "blooding" ritual, signaling a departure from customary royal practices.
Historically, "blooding" involved smearing the blood of an animal killed during hunting on the face of a royal after their first hunt.
This tradition has been a rite of passage for royal family members, including King Charles III and his two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, as recounted by royal author Tom Quinn in his book "Yes Ma’am – The Secret Life of Royal Servants."
Kate, who is married to the heir of the British throne, has asserted her stance against this tradition for her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Her modern parenting approach aligns more closely with her personal values, diverging from some long-held royal customs.
In addition to their rejection of "blooding," both Kate and Prince William embrace a more contemporary parental style that excludes live-in nannies or extensive staff, focusing instead on a more personal, hands-on involvement with their children. This progressive method of parenting is gaining support, as evidenced by the endorsement of Prince William and King Charles III.
The practice of "blooding" faces criticism not only from within the royal circle but also from animal rights organizations and the public.
PETA and other advocates consider it a brutal and outdated practice. In his memoir "Spare," Prince Harry described his own experience with the ritual, which drew attention to the controversy surrounding it.
Helena Chard, while supporting Kate’s perspective, questioned why the children should experience this archaic ritual, stating that nature should promote wellness and healing rather than violence. Ian Pelham Turner echoed this sentiment by emphasizing the outdated nature of the tradition, especially by contemporary standards.
Although the tradition has been part of royal culture for generations, Kate’s decision appears to mirror sentiments held by the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
Reports from Diana's former royal protection officer indicate that she found royal hunting practices distasteful and lacking in skill, an opinion suggesting skepticism toward these customs within some segments of the royal family.
Diana's disapproval of the royal family's hunting traditions is paralleled today by Kate’s stand on "blooding." Ingrid Seward revealed that Diana cautioned William and Harry about public perception regarding hunting, reinforcing a growing perspective that royal practices need to evolve with societal values.
Royal commentator Hilary Fordwich noted that Kate’s middle-class background means she was not raised amidst the same rigid traditions, possibly influencing her modern approach to parenting. Prince William is similarly motivated by a desire to remain in step with contemporary societal trends.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have demonstrated their commitment to wildlife conservation through their charity work.
Their Royal Foundation addresses issues such as the illegal wildlife trade, which underscores the inconsistency that would arise if they endorsed blood sports practices.
Helena Chard emphasized that Kate's renewed sense of self and purpose aligns with her ascent to her prospective role as a caring queen. The couple is thus positioned as a relatable face for the monarchy, advocating for progressive change.
Public reactions to Kate’s decision have varied, with some praising her modern approach and others questioning the necessity of discarding tradition. Nevertheless, her stance indicates a shift in how the British monarchy might adapt its customs to align with evolving cultural and ethical standards.
