Kate Middleton under fire

Dec 4, 2006, 13:30 GMT

Prince William and girlfriend Kate Middleton have sparked outrage by attending a Sandringham shooting party.

Animal rights campaigners are furious that Kate was seen laughing and joking as William shot pheasants.

Director of Animal Aid, Andrew Taylor, fumed to Britain’s Daily Mirror newspaper: “It turns your stomach. I would have hopes that she might have talked some sense into William and persuaded him to give up shooting for fun.

“But sadly she is offering her support to his brutal habit and seems happy to join the latest generation of royal blood sport enthusiasts.”

Wearing a leather cowboy hat and sleeveless hunting jacket, Kate looked at home on the Sandringham estate on Saturday (02.12.06).

Kate, 24, didn’t do any shooting, but did help to pick up some of the dead birds and took photographs of William.

The couple were enjoying a weekend break at the Queen’s Norfolk estate; just days after engagement rumours surfaced once again.

Kate and William are thought to have stayed at Sandringham before, but the brunette has always done her to best to avoid being photographed there.

Kate has also been invited to spend Christmas at the estate with the royal family – the first time a royal’s unmarried partner has been permitted to do so.

(C) BANG Media International