A leading mohel has offered to circumcise Prince George — in keeping with a Royal Family tradition.
Dr Joseph Spitzer, a GP and the head of the Initiation Society, is willing to carry out the procedure should the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge decide to maintain the practice common among royals since the 19th century.
The Stamford Hill-based doctor, who has been a mohel for more than 30 years and circumcised “thousands” of baby boys, said: “It’s up to the parents if they want to have him circumcised. If they do decide to have it done, I’d be delighted to be of service.”
Speculation continues as to whether Prince George will indeed be circumcised. His grandfather, Prince Charles, was circumcised by Rabbi Jacob Snowman, a leading mohel, at Buckingham Palace in 1948.
The baby’s great-uncles, Princes Andrew and Edward, were also circumcised.
The late Princess Diana is believed to have discontinued the tradition — to the rumoured anger of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
Members of the Royal Family have been circumcised since King George I imported the practice from his hometown of Hanover, Germany.
Queen Victoria reportedly had all her children circumcised in the belief that her lineage could be traced to King David, the second King of Israel.
Jewish communal leaders congratulated William and Kate on the birth.
Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks said: “Mazeltov to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their son. We wish them blessings, good health and joy in becoming parents.”
Reform Movement Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner hoped the new baby would “inherit the Queen’s qualities of dignity, decency and hard work”.
Israeli President Shimon Peres sent the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge an outfit with “From Israel with love” printed on the shirt.
The baby was born on Monday afternoon weighing 8lb 6oz in the Lindo Wing at London’s St Mary’s Hospital.
The section of the hospital is named after Frank Lindo, a Jew whose family donated over £100,000 to the hospital.
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