The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will be honouring a key royal tradition of the royal family as the couple is set to make a joint appearance following their international tours.
Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, who have been dedicatedly performing royal duties in the light of the ongoing tensions at the Palace, quietly supporting King Charles and the heir Prince William.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Edinburghs will be attending the re-opening of the Purdey at the Royal Berkshire Shooting School, Tomb Farm, Hook End Lane, Ashampstead, Pangbourne, Reading on Monday, October 27.
The royal family has a long-standing tradition of shooting, such as pheasant shooting at the monarch’s Sandringham estate in the UK and the Balmoral estate in Scotland. The tradition dates back to centuries, and while the enthusiasm surrounding it has lessened, especially with Prince William and Princess Kate, it continues symbolically.
Moreover, many other members of the royal family still continue it including Edward and Sophie. However, the Duchess had banned her son James, when he was eight, from participating. At the time, a royal source also shared that she would “prefer Edward not to shoot either, but that’s never going to happen”.
On Monday, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie will witness the changes that have been taken place at the location following extensive renovations.
The shooting school shared that a new event space for 100+ people has been arranged alongside a redesigned country store and gun shop.
They have also included a variety of enhanced ways to enjoy the sport – including landscaped paths, new stands, one of the highest towers in the UK and further facilities down the valley.