England’s royal family isn’t exactly known for their compassion for animals. For example, Prince Harry‘s birthday gift from brother Prince William this year was a group of 250 birds – to shoot and kill. PETA wasn’t too pleased, and sent Kate Middleton a letter asking her to put a stop to the plans.

Now, the Duchess of Cambridge has been sent another letter, from PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. According to PETA, Middleton has chosen to opt out of the annual pheasant hunt that takes place on Boxing Day. The organization says Kate’s decision followed the letter sent by Newkirk. She asked Middleton to follow the example of the late Princess Diana, who did not agree with hunting for sport. She went on to explain the cruel nature of the hunts and the pheasants that are raised in “intensive confinement” and either killed during the hunt or have their necks wrung later, while some are left to bleed to death.

Newkirk says that Middleton “rather than emulating Diana the Huntress, is taking after Diana, the Princess of Hearts.” Maybe if Kate, a hunter herself, chooses to give up her gun for good she’ll have some influence on the rest of the family. No more hunting and fur for the royals, maybe?

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About Jennifer Mishler

Jennifer is an animal advocate and activist. She is a volunteer coordinator with The Girls Gone Green, a nonprofit organization advocating for animals rights, veganism, and environmentalism. She is also an Onshore Volunteer with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, and a volunteer with CJ Acres Animal Rescue Farm, a nonprofit that rescues and rehabilitates farm animals. Along with writing for Ecorazzi, she writes about veganism and animal rights on her blog, A Dog's Eye View. She lives in Jacksonville, FL with her husband and their three animal friends. Follow Jennifer on Twitter: @jennygonevegan

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