THE Prince of Wales was at the centre of a new blood sports row
yesterday, after taking two royal children to a Christmas hare hunt.
The Prince, seven-year-old Prince Harry, and the Princess Royal's
daughter Zara, 10, joined the North Norfolk Harriers on private land at
Holkham Hall, near Wells-next-the-Sea.
Joint Hunt Master Roger Bradbury said the royals party stayed for
about two hours.
''It was one of Prince Harry's first hunting experiences and he was
cheerful, asking me lots of questions about the hounds and how they
worked. He is an excellent rider.''
Mr Bradbury said two hares were killed, but not on specific runs.
''They just popped up among the hounds. We're not in the business of
letting children see animals ripped apart, we're not bloodthirsty.''
The royal party were surprise members of a 50-strong group which rode
out at the weekend in the grounds of Viscount Coke's stately home.
The three stayed back until the hunt had set off, but the Prince of
Wales was keen to catch up, telling Zara to hurry up as detectives
followed behind in a Range Rover.
Hunt protesters were dismayed with the Prince's action, claiming it
was ''disheartening'' that he was introducing his children to the
killing of animals for fun.
John Bryant, wildlife officer for the League Against Cruel Sports,
said: ''Prince Charles is a real blood sports man. He was indoctrinated
by his parents and is now carrying on the family tradition of butchering
wildlife.
''It is even more disgusting that he is killing hares. There is no
excuse, a hare is not a pest. All this talk about a compassionate Prince
is rubbish. I am sure the public of Britain will be disgusted.''
Astride a grey hunter, the Prince -- wrapped up against the cold in a
waxed jacket -- kept a close eye on pony-mad Prince Harry, who was
wearing a smart hacking jacket.
Zara Phillips, who is tipped to be as good a horsewoman as her mother,
was looked after by a groom from the royal staff and clearly enjoyed her
bracing ride across fields and through woods.
Mr Bradbury said the Prince wanted to take the children hunting as it
was a good starting point for them. ''He was caring and kept his eyes on
the children all the time. But they were very competent.
Mr Bradbury, who has been Joint Master for four years, said the Prince
also remarked on the beautiful setting of Holkham Hall. ''He commented
on its
expanse. I think he is fond of Norfolk in general. He is a
superb rider -- and a pleasant man.''
Mr Bradbury added: ''It is the first time since I have been Master
that I have known the Prince join us.''
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: ''Why should we want to comment?
It was a private day's hunting. Prince Charles goes hunting all over the
place.''
The Prince did not ride out with the controversial Quorn Hunt in
Leicestershire on Boxing Day, as he has previously, following claims of
cruelty to foxes by two of the hunt Masters.
The North Norfolk Harriers date back to the 19th century and have
about 85 members who meet twice a week, usually at various estates in
the area.
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