Prince Harry reportedly has decided to, once again, skip the annual pheasant shoot due to his wife’s fondness of animals and her strong opposition to blood sport.
Sources told the Daily Mail Sunday that the decision by Harry to bow out of the traditional Boxing Day celebration is not sitting well with his brother Prince William, who is reportedly concerned with how his brother is “being pulled away” from the family. (RELATED: Celebrate Prince William’s Birthday With Unforgettable Shots Of Kate Middleton [SLIDESHOW])
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at The Royal Variety Performance 2018 at London Palladium on November 19, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
“William sees this as another concerning example of his brother being pulled away from his family by his new wife,” one insider shared with the Sunday Mirror. “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,” the source added. “It’s the latest point of contention between the princes after a testing time in their relationship.”
“He hardly ever misses the shoot but he loves her so much,” the source continued. Harry has taken part in the annual shoot for 20 years.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex make an official visit to the Joff Youth Centre in Peacehaven, Sussex on October 3, 2018 in Peacehaven, United Kingdom. The Duke and Duchess married on May 19th 2018 in Windsor and were conferred The Duke & Duchess of Sussex by The Queen. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
The former “Suits” actress reportedly “wasn’t happy” with her then-soon-to-be husband when after he participated in a wild boar hunt in Germany last year. He then declined to join the annual pheasant shoot last year.
This is just the latest report that there is a reportedly a growing rift between the brothers and their wives, with numerous reports in the last few weeks about the Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge being upset with Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 14, 2018. Britain’s Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge and Meghan the Duchess of Sussex applaud after Germany’s Angelique Kerber won the women’s singles final against Serena Williams of the U.S. REUTERS/Toby Melville
Despite the rumors, the siblings and their wives will spend Christmas as a family together.
It all comes on the heels of reports from Kensington Palace, that the royal newlyweds plan to move out of the palace and to Frogmore Cottage on the grounds of Windsor Castle. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge currently live at the palace.
“Windsor is a very special place for their royal highnesses and they are grateful that their official residence will be on the estate,” a royal household statement read at the time.
The royal newlyweds, who announced earlier this year that they are expecting their first child in spring in 2019, tied the knot in May at a gorgeous ceremony at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.