Every year, the Royal Family takes part in the traditional Boxing Day shoot at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk – but it is reported there are fears 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 has been upheld for many years and has been a longstanding activity during a Sandringham Christmas. However, it has been reported that this year’s shoot could be under threat due to a shortage of pheasants on the estate – and it could be axed if numbers stay low.
Sandringham House on the Sandringham estate, where the royals spend Christmas (Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
According to The Sun, several factors have led to a shortage of the birds on the site, meaning there may not be enough of them to host a shoot. Traditionally, the pheasants are raised on-site but the King is reportedly against importing birds from breeders to make up the numbers.
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.
The hunting tradition stems back generations, and after inheriting a passion for it from his parents, King Charles would regularly host shooting parties on the Sandringham estate during his student days.
The Royal Family at Sandringham on Christmas Day last year (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The pastime angers animal rights campaigners and there a strict privacy rules on the estate. Shoots now take place on more isolated areas of farmland and marsh, which are not overlooked by public roads or footpaths.
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 family are more on-message these days, and I think the King will know the public is watching closely.
“For the time being, there will still be shoots, though not on the scale of Prince Philip shooting thousands of birds in a season.”
Still, with more than 200 people said to be employed on the estate, including gamekeepers and farmers, Duncan added: “Employment in rural areas is a big thing for Charles, so that’s one factor he will think carefully about.”
