Animal lover Meghan Markle ‘won’t be grouse hunting at Balmoral as it’s been cancelled for the year due to fall in numbers’ – The Sun

MEGHAN Markle may be breathing a sigh of relief as the long-held tradition of grouse hunting at Balmoral may not take place this year.

The sport is said to have been cancelled at the Scottish castle due to a fall in bird numbers, and the Duchess of Sussex, 38, reportedly disapproves of shooting.

Yesterday was known as the “Glorious 12th” of August, which kick-starts the start of the grouse hunting season.

The sport is a popular tradition on the Queen’s estate during their summer holidays, but breeding has been affected by heavy snowfall last year, followed by a dry and humid start to this summer.

An estate source told the Mail: “Grouse numbers go up and down but this year they have plummeted.

“There probably will be no grouse shooting on Balmoral this season. It's very disappointing. There is still [deer] stalking.”

The news will no doubt please new mum Meghan, who is rumoured to be opposed to the blood sport, and is thought to be making her first Balmoral visit this year.

Royal editor Robert Jobson even commented recently on the Mail on Sunday that “Meghan, however, who rather disproves of such blood sports, may choose to feign a headache."

With a 50,000 acre estate comprising of grouse moors, forestry and farmland, animals to hunt are in no short supply in Balmoral.

But the Duchess of Sussex who follows a vegan diet during the week, isn't a fan of hunting – despite her husband Prince Harry being taught from a young age.

It is understood, however, that Meghan did take part in a lunch following a pheasant shoot at Sandringham, Norfolk, last Christmas.

THE QUEEN'S SUMMER RETREAT AT BALMORAL

Balmoral Castle has been a Royal residence since 1852.

The estate and its original castle were purchased privately by Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria, and to this day remain the private property of the Royal Family.

The castle is classified by Historic Scotland as a category A listed building, and costs around £3 million annually to run.

Every summer, the Monarch returns to the Balmoral estate with her husband Prince Philip.

Throughout the summer, much of the royal family – including Charles, Camilla, William, and Kate – will join her and Prince Philip for their annual “summer break.”

The Royal residence has often been described as “the most beautiful place on Earth” and is often referred to as the Queen’s favourite home.

The Queen is often seen riding horses or driving her beloved Range Rover over the estate’s rugged terrain.

The castle gardens were first opened to the public in 1931.

They now open daily between April and the end of July, after which Queen Elizabeth arrives for her annual stay.

BBQs and picnics are thought to take place daily at Balmoral, regardless of the Scottish weather, as the royals are so fond of all things outdoorsy.

"It is hunting which is perhaps the biggest passion", Robert added of the royal hobby, which includes shooting birds and deer.

"Her Majesty shot her last stag in 1983 near to the Spittal of Glenmuick, in a spot that is now called The Queen's Corry.

"But she still attends shoots and drove Kate to a grouse shoot when the couple visited a couple of years ago."

The Queen was taught to stalk deer by her late cousin, and best friend, Margaret Rhodes.

Last week, a source told Fabulous pescatarian Meghan would try fly fishing to appease her father-in-law Prince Charles.

They added: “But there will no softening on Meghan's stance against hunting, any stag or deer hunting fills her with horror.

“Venison will not be one of her menu choices for sure.”

We revealed how friends have ‘stopped inviting’ Meghan and Harry to dinner parties because they ‘frown upon their PDA’.

While the Fab Four split began when Prince Harry ‘read William and Kate the riot act’ for ‘not supporting’ Meghan Markle before their Royal wedding, sources claim.

And Meghan Markle is a victim of cruel ‘mum shaming’ and the Palace need to do more to build up her ‘motherly image’, according to a PR guru.

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