King Charles 'livid' as controversial royal family tradition Sandringham Boxing Day hunt faces 'axe'
It's a festive tradition each year, according to reports
King Charles is reportedly “livid” after errors at Sandringham are said to have left the royal family Boxing Day hunt under threat.
According to The Sun, the monarch is far from impressed because his Norfolk estate is “running out of pheasants”.
A key member of the gamekeeping staff at Sandringham is said to have lost their job amid the commotion. But despite that development, royal guns may not be firing themselves this festive period if there aren’t enough birds for family members to shoot at.
The royal family at Sandringham
Sandringham is one of the few remaining wild shoots – meaning the game is reared where it is shot – in the UK.
But The Sun reports King Charles, an advocate for countryside practices, has been reluctant to release birds from breeders to get numbers up. Furthermore, maintaining “a more eco-friendly wild shoot” is said to have proved challenging, with the consequence of the number of pheasants dwindling.
An unnamed source is said to have told the tabloid newspaper: “It was a total cock-up. No birds, no bang, just red faces.
“The king wasn’t having it.”
Let’s just say he’s well and truly plucked off.
Additionally, the insider reportedly said of the gamekeeper who is said to have been shown the door: “Let’s just say he’s well and truly plucked off.”
Royal Insider has approached Buckingham Palace for comment on The Sun’s claims. Buckingham Palace declined to comment to The Sun.
What does the royal family do on Boxing Day?
Royal fans are used to seeing pictures and footage of family members making their way to St. Mary Magdalene Church on Christmas Day morning by foot.
But while Boxing Day does not tend to include public appearances from the royals, it still brings its own traditions.
Among them is the Boxing Day pheasant shoot, despite criticism from some quarters concerning animal welfare.
According to reports, those taking part in the shoot ready themselves for the day’s activity with a big breakfast.
The Daily Mail reported in 2018: “The men went out as usual for the shoot after a hearty breakfast. A buffet is laid out of kedgeree, bacon and eggs, cereals and toast to set them up for the day.
“It’s cold trudging across the muddy fields so you need plenty of sustenance.”
Horse riding and walking around the grounds are also believed to be popular ways for royals to spend Boxing Day.
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