Duke ‘to miss shoot on Boxing Day’
THE Duke of Sussex will miss the Royal family’s traditional Boxing Day pheasant shoot under pressure from his pregnant wife, according to reports.
The Duke, 34, has taken part in the Boxing Day shoot on the Sandringham estate since the age of 12. But according to the Sunday Mirror, he will miss it to spend time with his wife.
However, a well-placed Kensington Palace source dismissed the claims yesterday, saying: “This is completely untrue.”
The Duchess is described as a “principled animal lover” who refuses to wear fur. She once described herself in an interview as vegan during the week.
The decision to miss the shoot – if correct – may cause tension between Duke of Cambridge and his younger brother. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have decided to make a house on the Windsor estate their permanent home rather than an apartment in Kensington palace next door to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge amid suggestions Prince William has not been welcoming towards the Duchess of Sussex.
The Sunday Mirror quoted an insider saying: “On 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.”
Kensington Palace refused to be drawn on claims of a row over the hunting issue nor whether it is true that the Duke will avoid the Boxing Day pheasant shoot. The source suggested the claims should be “taken with a pinch of salt”.
The Sunday Mirror claimed that the Duchess of Sussex had been unhappy to learn he had hunted boar in Germany while she had been in Canada filming her final scenes for Suits.
The Vegan Society said: “We’re delighted to hear that the Duchess has been persuading Harry not to take part in the royal Christmas pheasant shoot.
“Traditions are important but if they involve senseless killing, they should not be allowed to continue.”