Like many of us, the royals have their own Boxing Day traditions – the most well known of those being their annual pheasant shoot.
It’s a tradition that the royals have indulged in time and time again, with both Prince William and Harry having partaken in it for more than 20 years.
But now, it seems one flame haired Prince might have had a enough of it – and his apparent reasoning will surprise you.
Could Meghan be influencing Harry’s decision to miss out on the annual Boxing Day hunt this year? (Image: Getty)
According to a report from the Mail on Sunday, Prince Harry will miss out on this year’s hunt to avoid upsetting Meghan, who is a fierce animal rights advocate.
Despite Harry, 34, having taken part in the annual event for many years, Meghan’s staunch beliefs has her strongly opposing any blood sports and wearing fur. Harry also missed out on the hunt last year.
The Boxing Day event has reportedly brought Harry and older brother William closer together over the years, so Harry stepping back again this year could further exacerbate the rumoured rift between the two brothers.
A royal source told the Sunday Mirror: “William sees this as another concerning example of his brother being pulled away from his family by his new wife.”
In November, rumours of a growing rift between Harry and Wills was reported by respected Vanity Fair reporter Katie Nicholl, claiming that the brothers suffered a falling out over Christmas last year when Harry claimed his older brother wasn’t making enough effort to welcome Meghan into the family.
“Harry felt William wasn’t rolling out the red carpet for Meghan and told him so,” a source told Vanity Fair.
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The reportedly got so bad that even Prince Charles had to intervene.
“They had a bit of a fall out which was only resolved when Charles stepped in and asked William to make an effort. That’s when the Cambridges invited the Sussexes to spend Christmas with them,” the insider explained.
Rumours of a growing rift between the two brothers are rife. (Image: Getty)
But whether Harry is simply just late to confirm his attendance at this year’s Boxing Day hunt remains to be seen, as a Kensington Palace source dismissed the rumours of Harry choosing to miss out this year.
“This is completely untrue,” the source told The Telegraph.
And while the Palace hasn’t comment on the claims of a row between the two brothers, nor Harry’s attendance in the shoot, the source suggested the rumours should be “taken with a pinch of salt”.
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Whether Meghan has influenced Harry in regards to the pheasant shoot or not, there’s no denying Harry has made some changes since he struck up a relationship with the former Hollywood actress.
Some eagle-eyed spectators have noticed Harry’s dress sense change, with the Prince opting to wear brands that Meghan favours, as well as being increasingly eco-concious.
It is also rumoured that Harry has been eating much healthier since he started dating Meghan, choosing to eat less meat.
The Vegan Society have even commented on the rumours, telling The Telegraph, “”We’re delighted to hear that the Duchess has been persuading Prince Harry not to take part in the Royal Christmas pheasant shoot.”
They continued: “Vegan or not, many Brits strongly oppose hunting animals and we hope to see the Royal family set an example and stop participating in this cruel practice.”
