King Charles refuses bird imports amid new Royal controversy

There are fears that this year's Boxing Day shoot may be cancelled due to a shortage of pheasants on the Sandringham estate. 

To note, this event is a traditional royal hunting event, and the situation has reportedly left King Charles 'unimpressed'. 

According to The Sun, there are fewer pheasants this year because not enough were raised. Raising birds is normal, but King Charles reportedly refuses to import pheasants from outside breeders just to continue the tradition. 

A source said: 'No birds, no bang, just red faces, The King was not having it.' 

King Charles is a known environmentalist, so there is speculation he may end this tradition permanently, or scale it down, especially because of public and animal rights concerns. Animal rights activists oppose the event, and there's growing pressure to move away from such practices. 

Royal expert Duncan Larcombe previously told OK!:'The days of the royals blasting birds out of the sky on Boxing Day for the thrill of it may be numbered.

'The family are more on-message these days, and I think the King will know the public is watching closely.'

This could mark the beginning of the end for one of the monarchy;s most controversial customs.