Surprising royal Boxing Day tradition Kate and William have been urged to keep George away from
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The Royal Family are known for their many Christmas traditions, some of which are classic and others unique to them. From attending a church service like many across the UK, to opening presents on Christmas Eve in honour of their German heritage, the royals' day is enjoyed by all.
However, every year, one tradition that typically takes place on Boxing Day draws significant criticism. Like many royals before them, hunting has always been a favourite pastime - whether they're shooting stags, grouses or pheasants. Despite its historical significance, there was backlash when it emerged that Prince George, 10, had joined his family to watch the hunt at just five years old. Hunting has been the chosen sport of the royals for centuries, but it's uncertain whether the tradition will continue this year.
There's another annual shoot that happens in the summer called Balmoral's Glorious Twelfth, where the royals roam the Balmoral Estate in Scotland hunting young grouse. While it's unclear if family members participated in the annual season which starts on August 12 each year, the royals have enjoyed deerstalking on the estate for generations.
The hunt serves as a culling act for elderly stags likely to die during winter months, and as a way of controlling numbers. William shot his first stag at 14 years old, a feat he was "delighted at the time", reports OK!. Deerstalking is a beloved pastime for many members of the Royal Family, passed down through generations. King Charles, father to Prince William, was so fond of the sport that Princess Diana would affectionately refer to him as "my killer Wales".
