Prince George could be ‘initiated’ into ancient ‘gruesome’ Royal ritual this summer

It's a centuries-old tradition

This comes according to a royal expert who says that Prince George, the oldest child of William and Kate could be in line to take part in the royal tradition this summer.

In the biography 'Prince Harry: The Inside Story', author Duncan Larcombe wrote that George might have to take part in the "controversial pastime long enjoyed by his ancestors," as reported by the Express.

Larcombe wrote: "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.

"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."

Larcombe added: "Years ago, Kate joined the royals on a shoot, but it's unclear whether George will be expected to follow suit."

It is reported that the Princess of Wales has forbidden her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis from taking part in this tradition known as 'blooding'.

This was claimed in a new book "'es Ma'am - The Secret Life of Royal Servants' by Tom Quinn.

This ritual usually sees the blood of a fox or stag smeared across the face of the young royal's face after getting their first kill.

In an extract obtained by FEMAIL, the author writes: "Charles's daughter in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales, has put her foot down and insisted there will be no blooding for her children."

The source also claims that King Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry have all completed the tradition.

Prince Harry wrote about the his own experience of blooding in the grounds of Balmoral with his hunting guide Sandy in his book 'Spare'.

He wrote: "He placed a hand gently behind my neck, and… pushed my head inside the carcass.

"I tried to pull away, but Sandy pushed me deeper. I was shocked by his insane strength. And by the infernal smell. My breakfast jumped up from my stomach.

"After a minute I couldn't smell anything, because I couldn't breathe. My nose and mouth were full of blood, guts and a deep, upsetting warmth."

Following the release of the Prince's book, PETA condemned the graphic description of the tradition.

However, Harry said it was a "show of respect for the slain", and "an act of communion by the slayer".

Meanwhile, another royal book, 'Gilded Youth' by Tom Quinn, notes that, despite Prince William's supposed enjoyment for hunting, he is conscious of changing popular opinion around the matter.

Quinn wrote: "William loves shooting, a love he shares with his father, but he is also conscious that the tide is now moving against what many people now refer to as blood sports (the royals prefer to refer to them as field sports).

"But are they suitable for George, Charlotte and Louis?"