Guns out, Harry
It’s all kicking off Shootingdays Meg influence look to be over... will stir royal rift
FESTIVE fun at Sandringham kicks off with a Christmas Eve soccer match beween staff – with Harry and William taking part.
Then comes afternoon tea, prezzies at 6pm and formal dinner at 8pm. Christmas morning brings two church services. And after a turkey lunch the family watch the Queen’s Christmas message on TV.
Board games follow and a festive film is shown later in the Sandringham ballroom. Boxing Day brings the big pheasant shoot. Harry and Charles The brothers have been a part of the Boxing Day pheasant hunt for more than 20 years and Harry, 34, has a reputation as a fine marksman. Their father Prince Charles will be there and William’s son George, five, may go to watch. But it emerged yesterday Harry will instead spend time with pregnant wife Meghan, 37. The principled animal lover refuses to wear fur and has expressed concern about Harry killing “defenceless animals”. A royal insider told the Sunday Mirror: “In his mind, William sees this as another concerning example of his younger brother being pulled away from his family by his new wife. “Harry’s always loved hunting and it has provided them with a great chance to bond as brothers. “But now it looks like Harry’s shooting days are over. It’s the latest point of contention between the Princes after a testing time in their relationship.” Former Army captain Harry, 34, has taken part in the royal tradition beside Wills since he was 12.
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But Harry’s hobby is believed to have caused problems last year after he reportedly took part in a wild boar hunt in Germany. Meghan was in Canada filming her final scenes for US drama Suits.
But her apparent displeasure became clear just weeks later as Harry skipped last year’s Boxing Day hunt. He also missed the grouse hunt at Balmoral three months ago – a must in the royal calendar.
Our source added: “Meghan wasn’t happy when she found out what Harry had been up to in Germany. It upset her to think of him killing a defenceless animal. She’s a keen animal lover and likes to eat vegan during the week and she has a strict no-fur policy. She has also been encouraging Harry to eat less meat and more fruit and veg and is now keen to fully convert him to her views on hunting.”
The news comes as the brothers appear to be drifting apart, with the Sussexes turning down the chance to live next to Wills, 36, and wife Kate at Kensington Palace. Harry and Meghan have opted to stay with the Queen at Sandringham for Christmas – refusing a room at Wills’ nearby Norfolk home Anmer Hall. But the brothers will be together as the royals gather for Christmas Day lunch with the Queen.
patrick.hill@mirror.co.uk