King Charles is said to be “devastated” as a longstanding royal tradition — the Boxing Day pheasant shoot at Sandringham — is now in jeopardy due to an unexpected crisis on the estate.
A Royal Christmas Staple
For decades, the Boxing Day shoot has been a cherished fixture of the royal family’s Christmas celebrations.
Every year, senior royals gather at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with the shoot on 26 December seen as a key moment in the holiday calendar — one steeped in tradition, camaraderie, and countryside heritage.
Unexpected Trouble on the Estate
However, this year’s event is under threat. According to The Sun, the estate is experiencing a serious shortage of pheasants, leaving the annual shoot in doubt. A source claimed that “there are hardly any birds” available, sparking what has been described as an “awkward” situation — particularly for a monarch deeply connected to rural life.
Charles’s Firm Stance
The 76-year-old King is reportedly “livid” over the situation. While some suggested sourcing birds from outside breeders, Charles is said to be firmly against importing game, insisting that all birds used in the shoot be bred and raised on the estate.
That commitment to tradition and sustainability may now come at a cost — the possible cancellation of an event that has been a royal mainstay for generations.
Behind-the-Scenes Shake-Up
The report also notes that a long-serving gamekeeper has been dismissed from the estate, potentially as part of a wider reshuffle in response to the pheasant shortage. Sandringham is one of the few remaining estates to host traditional wild shoots, making this setback especially significant.
A Blow to Royal Traditions
For King Charles, a lifelong advocate of countryside stewardship and rural heritage, the possible loss of the Boxing Day shoot is more than just a logistical hiccup — it’s a blow to one of the few remaining traditional sporting events upheld by the royal family.
As Christmas approaches, it remains to be seen whether the King will find an alternative — or be forced to bid farewell to a beloved festive tradition.
