Prince George May Be Introduced to "Gruesome" Hunting Tradition in Balmoral
"Traditionally, the blood of a hunter's first kill is spread on their face."
![Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9XRu99EaEnAcyavuF8eomk-415-80.jpg)
Prince George is set to spend some time in Balmoral over the summer, along with a plethora of royal family members. Sadly, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry weren't invited to the family gathering, according to reports. However, the Scottish estate is very important to Princess Kate, Prince William, and their three children—George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Just last month, Prince George turned 11. Although George is being raised differently from William, the little royal will likely take on extra responsibility as he gets older. And according to a new report, George may be expected to take part in a rather "gruesome" tradition this year.
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe opened up about tradition while speaking to Woman magazine (via the Express). "The Palace has refused to comment on claims that Prince George will be initiated into one of the slightly more gruesome royal traditions this summer," Larcombe explained.
"It was reported that he will join his father on a stag-hunting shoot," a royal expert claimed.
Elaborating on the tradition, Larcombe said, "It was reported that he will join his father on a stag-hunting shoot while they visit the Balmoral estate this month. Traditionally, the blood of a hunter's first kill is spread on their face, a ritual that goes back centuries."
The royal expert also noted that Princess Kate had already been initiated into the tradition. "Years ago, Kate joined the royals on a shoot, but it's unclear whether George will be expected to follow suit," he explained.
Regardless of whether Prince George takes part in the "gruesome" tradition, hopefully the young royal gets to make his own decisions on the matter.
"Years ago, Kate joined the royals on a shoot," the source explained.
Aside from hunting, Balmoral is an important place for the Prince and Princess of Wales, and holds many memories for the royal family. Royal expert Robert Jobson previously told OK!, "William has happy and sad moments related to Balmoral. But that’s about his life’s experience, not the place."
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Jobson continued, "The place has always been special to him. Even in his darkest moments, such as when he learned of his mother’s death, Balmoral afforded him the opportunity to grieve privately, to go off on walks with his grandfather to try to come to terms with what had happened."
As well as being a crucial retreat for the royal family, Balmoral is a place where Kate and William's children can enjoy themselves away from prying eyes. "This is a place where youngsters can play outside so freely," Jobson noted. "That matters to William and Kate because they know their children can be free, away from the media."
Amy Mackelden is a contributing editor at Marie Claire, where she covers celebrity and royal family news. She was the weekend editor at Harper’s BAZAAR for three years, where she covered breaking celebrity and entertainment news, royal stories, fashion, beauty, and politics. Prior to that, she spent a year as the joint weekend editor for Marie Claire, ELLE, and Harper's BAZAAR, and two years as an entertainment writer at Bustle. Her additional bylines include Cosmopolitan, People, The Independent, HelloGiggles, Biography, Shondaland, Best Products, New Statesman, Heat, and The Guardian. Her work has been syndicated by publications including Town & Country, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Delish, Oprah Daily, Country Living, and Women's Health. Her celebrity interviews include Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Chastain, the cast of Selling Sunset, Emma Thompson, Jessica Alba, and Penn Badgley. In 2015, she delivered an academic paper at Kimposium, the world's first Kardashian conference.
-
Meghan Markle Is Still the Queen of Minimalism
She broke the "no white after Labor Day" look with grace.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Princess Kate's Brother James Middleton Reveals He's "Proud" of Her After Emotional Video
James' sweet message echoes the feelings of royal fans all over the world.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
'Only Murders in the Building' Season 5 Is Official—We're Gathering Clues For the Upcoming Season
Hulu renewed its acclaimed comedy just a week after season 4's premiere.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Princess Kate's Brother James Middleton Reveals He's "Proud" of Her After Emotional Video
James' sweet message echoes the feelings of royal fans all over the world.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Queen Elizabeth Hilariously Told Tourists in Balmoral She'd Never Met the Queen
"I just hope when he gets back to America and he shows those photographs to his friends, someone will tell him who I am."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William Once Revealed He Wanted His Marriage to Princess Kate to "Last Forever"
The Prince of Wales told a royal expert why he took his "time getting engaged."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
A Very Bearded Prince William Gives an Update on Princess Kate's Health
"It’s good news but there is still a long way to go."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Kept U.K. Trip Secret to Avoid Distracting from His Uncle's Funeral
"Many people close to the family were totally unaware."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry and Prince William Once Turned a Bomb Shelter into a Secret Club
"Club H turned Highgrove into quite the hot spot when Dad happened to be away."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton's Parents Make a Surprising Cameo in the Princess's Cancer Update Video
Carole and Michael Middleton are hands-on grandparents.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry "Invited" to Spend Christmas With Princess Diana's Family
Diana's brother has reportedly extended an invitation to the Sussexes and their children.
By Amy Mackelden Published