Bird shortage forces monarch to consider ending family’s cherished Boxing Day shoot
King Charles has been left furious after a major blunder at one of his royal estates placed a centuries-old family tradition in jeopardy.
The annual Boxing Day shoot at Sandringham, a long-standing event where the royal family hunts pheasants and partridges, may be cancelled this year. The monarch is reportedly considering the move after a sharp decline in bird numbers, blamed on a “series of blunders” at his Scottish estate.
“It was a total cock-up. No birds, no bang, just red faces,” a source told The Sun. “The King wasn’t having it.”
In response to the failure, the estate’s long-time gamekeeper has been dismissed. “Let’s just say he’s well and truly plucked off,” the insider added.
While the tradition remains a royal favourite, it continues to draw criticism from animal rights advocates, particularly over concerns about children participating in the hunt. Despite his affection for the shoot, Charles has been reluctant to restock bird populations through commercial breeding, due to his commitment to sustainability.
Given the circumstances, insiders believe this year’s shoot may be called off entirely—something that would come as a significant disappointment to the King.
