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King Charles ‘devastated’ as major annual royal tradition might ‘have to be axed’

King Charles ‘devastated’ as major annual royal tradition might ‘have to be axed’

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The Royal Family participates in the traditional Boxing Day shoot at Norfolk’s Sandringham estate every year, but it is reported that there are concerns that the annual event might not be able to take place this year.

King Charles at Sandringham(Image: Jordan Peck|Getty Images)

There are fears a major annual royal tradition is facing the axe this year – reportedly leaving King Charles unimpressed. Every year during their Christmas break at the Sandringham estate, some members of the Royal Family head out on Boxing Day for the traditional Boxing Day shoot in the vast grounds.

The tradition, which occurs annually at Sandringham Christmas, has been around for a long time. However, it has been reported that the estate’s lack of pheasants could put off the shoot this year, and that it could be done if the numbers don’t increase.

Sandringham house stands in a 20,000-acre estate in the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Sandringham House on the Sandringham estate, where the royals spend Christmas (Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)

There may not be enough birds on the site to host a shoot, according to The Sun, as a result of several factors. The King is reportedly opposed to importing birds from breeders to make up the numbers, despite the fact that the pheasants are traditionally raised on-site.

A source said: “It was a total cock-up. No birds, no bang, just red faces. The King wasn’t having it.” Buckingham Palace declined to comment.

King Charles would regularly host shooting parties on the Sandringham estate while he was still a student, and the hunting custom dates back generations.

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The Royal Family at Sandringham on Christmas Day last year
The Royal Family at Sandringham on Christmas Day last year (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Animal rights activists are offended by the pastime, and the estate’s privacy laws are strict. Shoots now occur in more remote areas of farmland and marsh that are not obstructed by footpaths or public roads.

As a keen environmentalist, many have wondered if the King will bring an end to the traditional shoot. Royal expert Duncan Larcombe previously told OK!: “The days of the royals blasting birds out of the sky on Boxing Day for the thrill of it may be numbered.

The King will be aware that the family is watching closely these days because they are more on message.

“For the time being, there will still be shoots, though not on the scale of Prince Philip shooting thousands of birds in a season.”

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Duncan continued, “Employment in rural areas is a big thing for Charles, so that’s one factor he will think about carefully because there are more than 200 people said to be employed on the estate, including gamekeepers and farmers.”

Source: Mirror

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