Prince Harry has reportedly decided to miss the traditional Boxing Day hunt with his family at Sandringham in order to avoid upsetting his pregnant wife.
The Duke of Sussex, 34, has taken part in the shoot for more than 20 years alongside Prince William and Prince Charles.
His decision not to attend this year is said to be down to Meghan, 37, who is a well-known animal lover.
The former actress was reportedly unhappy when Harry took part in a wild boar hunt last year in Germany while she was finishing filming her TV show Suits.
If he doesn’t go on the hunt this year it will be the second time running he has decided to skip it.
The Duchess, who is currently pregnant with the couple’s first child, eats vegan during the week and has been keen to change Harry’s view on hunting.
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But Royal fans are said to be concerned that Harry’s absence will deepen a rumoured rift between the brothers and their wives.
A royal insider told the Sunday Mirror: ‘In his mind, William sees this as another concerning example of his younger brother being pulled away from his family by his new wife.
‘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. It’s the latest point of contention between the Princes after a testing time in their relationship.’
Rumours of a rift between the two couples, dubbed the ‘Fab four’, have been swirling for weeks after it was reported the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had declined to stay at Amner Hall, William and Kate’s estate in Norfolk, for Christmas.
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Instead, Harry and Meghan will be spending Christmas at Sandringham, although the couples will be seen at the traditional church visit together.
In October, it was announced that Harry and Meghan would be moving away from Kensington Palace, where they live next door to William and Kate, and into Frogmore Cottage on the Royal grounds at Windsor.
A number of sources have since been reported as saying the decision to move is influenced by a growing rift between Meghan and Kate.
There were claims that the Duchess of Cambridge was left in tears following Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid’s dress fitting ahead of Meghan and Harry’s wedding in May.
Kate is also said to have cautioned Meghan over how she treats her staff, who are said to get emails at 5am.
But other reports say the tensions stem from the brothers themselves after Prince Harry reportedly accused Prince William of trying to ‘wreck his relationship.’
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