Just last month, the Welsh family celebrated George’s 11th birthday, a celebratory event that marked another important moment in the young prince’s life as he became second in line to the throne. George’s birthday is not only a day for family gatherings, but also an increasing number of royal responsibilities and events that await him. Royal author Duncan Larcombe points out that Prince George may be introduced to a controversial royal tradition during their time at Balal. The Balal estate, famous for its extensive hunting grounds, has historically hosted a variety of royal engagements, including some controversial customs. Here, Prince George is likely to participate in the ancient practice of moose hunting, a coming-of-age ritual that has been part of royal life for centuries.
Larcombe, author of “Prince Harry: The Inside Story,” recently told the media that the palace refuses to comment on speculation surrounding George’s participation in the controversial custom. The tradition is not limited to just a ceremony, it includes a ceremony. This long-standing custom has been upheld by the royal family, and it seems that George may soon be passing it on. Traditionally, the royal family has faced association with such customs. In his memoir “Spare,” Prince Harry recounted a heartbreaking incident from his childhood. He also recalled a similar ceremony, which involved his nanny, Tiggy Legge-Bourke. Catherine, who is actively involved in raising her children, has made considerable efforts to provide George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis with a well-rounded childhood experience.
Balancing normal activities with preparation for future royal duties. However, royal traditions are inevitable. The royal family's history is well established, with the Queen being a stag hunter, and her husband, Prince Philip, going on a tiger hunt in India in the 1960s. There were also reports in 2014 of Princes William and Harry hunting wild boar and stag in Spain. In 2012, it was reported that King Charles had tried to persuade Tony Blair not to ban fox hunting, claiming it was a natural activity stemming from humans' long-standing relationship with dogs and horses.
The family also enjoy pheasant shooting at Sandringham over the Christmas period and grouse shooting at Corriegarth, with William and Catherine taking George hunting since 2018. Beyond hunting, Balal holds significant sentimental value for the royal family, especially for William, as it is a place filled with cherished memories. Royal expert Robert Jobson once commented that although Balal was a refuge for William, it was also where he learned of the tragic passing of his mother, Princess Diana. The estate has always provided the royal family with a space to mourn and find solace away from the public eye.
For William and Catherine, Balal was also a place where their children could enjoy a sense of freedom often restricted by their royal status. The extensive grounds allowed George, Charlotte and Louis to play and explore without the constant surveillance of cameras and journalists. This summer was supposed to be no different, giving the family a chance to bond and allow Catherine to focus on her recovery. But the specter of this somber tradition now looms over their retreat, threatening to disrupt the peace they seek.
