King Charles is reportedly "livid" about potentially missing a cherished Christmas tradition this year.
Recent reports from The Sun indicate a shortage of pheasants at Sandringham Estate, potentially affecting the winter shooting schedule. This activity is traditionally one of the monarch's preferred holiday pursuits.
"King Charles III is livid, frustrated and disappointed, reflecting both his deep personal attachment to the cherished family tradition and his broader commitment to his royal heritage," British royal expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital.
"He's also annoyed that the mishap reflects rather poorly on the management of Sandringham, which he inherited from his mother, Queen Elizabeth II," she further said.
"The shoot gathers his extended royal family and guests, reinforcing bonds while upholding a long-standing aristocratic tradition. The root of the problem is that Charles has always opposed importing birds from elsewhere, preferring to maintain the estate's game population. The eco-friendly approach has failed<" she added.
The reduced bird population might force the 76-year-old monarch, currently receiving cancer treatment, to cancel the traditional Boxing Day shoot, a significant component of royal holiday celebrations.
British photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital, "Allegedly, King Charles is disappointed that one of his favorite Christmas family traditions may not take place this year. The Sandringham shoot is questionable due to a lack of Sandringham pheasants on the estate. It seems the family will have to bond, enjoy and celebrate over another hobby, or possibly clay pigeon shoots are the way forward."
"King Charles may have felt a fleeting healthy upset, but in light of recent times, with the slimmed-down monarchy, cancer battles and more... the monarchy has found their typical ways changing as they are forced to be flexible," she added.
A veteran gamekeeper, tasked with overseeing the bird population at the estate, was reportedly dismissed during recent personnel changes, leading to a deficit, as indicated by The Sun. A source informed the publication, "It was a total cock-up. No birds, no bang, just red faces. The king wasn't having it."
Per Chard's account, despite the king's disappointment, he remains open to adjustments. The sovereign is currently adapting to a new schedule whilst undergoing weekly cancer treatments, all whilst maintaining his commitment to full-time royal responsibilities.
The expert highlighted that the scarcity could lead the king to reassess the hunting custom, which has received criticism from organisations advocating for animal welfare.
Meanwhile, royal commentator Ian Pelham Turner believes the altered arrangements might enable the king to focus on reconciliation with his younger son, Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan Markle withdrew from their senior royal duties in 2020, stating they faced intolerable media scrutiny from British newspapers and insufficient backing from the palace. They now live in California.
Following their departure from royal duties, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have voiced their concerns through various media appearances and Harry's revealing 2023 book, "Spare." Insiders familiar with the prince, 40, have informed People magazine about the king's apparent reluctance to engage in communication via telephone or written correspondence.
"Perhaps he could bring the royal clan together, lock the door, knock all their heads together and unite the entire family, including Harry and Meghan," Turner told Fox News Digital. "This may be feathers flying in a different way than a grouse shoot, but if they really believe in the Christian principles, they would try, in my view. It is what Britain expects."
According to People magazine, Charles advocates for conventional methods and stands against bringing birds from other regions for this rural custom. The publication noted that sustaining the population of game birds in the region has proven to be "challenging."