As the royal family prepares for their annual summer retreat to Balmoral Castle, a centuries-old tradition has stirred fresh debate — and at the center of it all is Prince George.

According to royal biographer Duncan Larcombe, the 11-year-old future king could be introduced to “blooding,” an ancient hunting rite once commonplace among British aristocracy. Though largely unseen by the public today, the ritual traditionally involves smearing the blood of a first kill onto the face of a first-time hunter — often a young royal.

While palace aides have made no official comment, speculation around George’s potential participation has intensified. Larcombe, writing in Prince Harry: The Inside Story, noted that this summer could mark George’s first hunting experience. He added, “Traditionally, the blood of a hunter’s first kill is spread on their face. It’s a ritual that goes back centuries.”

Whether or not the young prince will follow in his ancestors’ footsteps remains uncertain. His mother, Princess Catherine, is reportedly against the practice. Author Tom Quinn, in his book Yes, Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants, claimed that Kate has “put her foot down” and stated firmly that none of her children will take part in the blooding ritual.

Hunting has long been embedded in royal tradition. Queen Elizabeth II frequently participated in deer stalking, and King Charles—while still Prince of Wales—was known to take part in shooting and even lobbied in defense of fox hunting in the early 2000s. Balmoral, their summer estate in the Scottish Highlands, is still a hub for country sports including grouse and stag shoots.

Yet public sentiment has shifted. The royal family has previously drawn criticism from animal rights groups, and the notion of a child participating in a graphic initiation ceremony sits uneasily with many today.

Prince Harry, in his memoir Spare, offered a disturbing firsthand account of his own “blooding” as a child, including being pushed face-first into the carcass of a hunted animal. He recalled feeling shocked and sickened, describing the moment as physically and emotionally overwhelming.

The question now is whether tradition will give way to modern parenting. Though Prince George’s upbringing includes elements of royal heritage, his parents—particularly Kate—have emphasized balance and normalcy. Whether that includes shielding him from this aspect of royal life is yet to be seen.

If George does join his father on the estate’s hunting grounds, it may represent not just a summer milestone, but a symbolic step toward his future role. But the decision, for now, rests firmly in the hands of William and Kate.