Opinion
Fairfax, VA – -(Ammoland.com)- Americans are often encouraged by anti-gun politicians to embrace United Kingdom-style gun control.
This would entail restrictive gun owner licensing, a near total ban on all handguns (handguns are permitted but heavily restricted in Northern Ireland), a ban on commonly-owned semi-automatic rifles, and a near prohibition on the use of firearms and even non-lethal alternatives for self-defense. Moreover, U.S. gun controllers are egged on in their efforts by the UK press.
It is ironic then that it is an American influence that may have stifled part of UK shooting culture. According to some in the UK press, American-born Meghan Markle has convinced her husband Prince Harry to forego the royal family’s annual Boxing Day pheasant shoot.
The Express reported that “The Duchess of Sussex is a renowned animal lover and refuses to wear fur. She is also against bloodsports,” and that, “Meghan has expressed concern over Prince Harry killing ‘defenceless animals.’”
Moreover, a report from the Mirror indicated that issue has caused concern in the royal family. According to the tabloid,
A royal insider told the Sunday Mirror: “In his mind, William sees this as another concerning example of his younger brother being pulled away from his family by his new wife.
“Harry’s always loved hunting and it has provided them with a great chance to bond as brothers.
However, the reports of Meghan’s anti-hunting mandate are not without controversy. According to the Telegraph, a source at the royal residence called the story “completely untrue.”
The royal family has a long and proud tradition of participating in the shooting sports. Prince Phillip is an avid sportsman and helped pass down his love of the shooting sports to his grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry. For her part, Queen Elizabeth is an accomplished sportswoman, something that has brought her criticism from animal rights extremists. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge has also embraced the family’s hunting tradition.
Understanding the important role outdoorsmen play in wildlife management, the royal family has gone to great lengths to champion conservation efforts alongside their pursuit of the shooting sports.
It is encouraging that despite significant differences, the royal family and everyday Americans embrace the shooting sports for the same reasons. The shooting sports are about bonding with family and friends, carrying on time honored traditions, and cherishing and respecting wildlife and the outdoors. If the reports regarding the Duchess of Sussex are true, hopefully tolerance and an open mind will lead her to see the real value in the UK’s shooting traditions.
About:
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Isn;t one side of her American family a demorat?
There are a few things one can learn from an Englishman. A few nations took note of their treatment of the Boers in the late 19th century. If they choose to live on their knees, so be it.
To educate you Will Bill, the UK has one of the lowest rates of gun homicides in the world. I guess I don’t know what I’m talking about as I have spent a fair amount of time there. They do not have addiction issues for not having a gun in their hands. I do try and keep it low keyed over there as they think some guy that used to be a reality TV host in the US is considered the ultimate global clown.
I find it interesting that the Royals enjoy shooting on their own estates but Joe Smuck Englishman has no access to hunting at all. Even those who own their own properties are banned from owning anything but shotguns and those are tightly controlled. The English are not a group to follow. I prefer the IRA when they were hunting the English aristocrats; the ones who disarmed their country. I am of Irish and German descent if anyone is interested.
Can you spell “-ussy whipped”?
No wife, will ever tell me to give up hunting. Give up the wife first. Not because I love hunting but because I do not like to be told what to do and how to think when I know that I am right and they are wrong. When that happens it is a special kind of stupid
It is rather important that we pay close attention to what the Brits do. They are the prime example of what the ultimate goal of our home grown gun control fanatics leads to. In 2010, the last year I could find credible UN crime statistics, the UK with a population of 60 million reported roughly as many violent crimes as did the United States with 320 million. Let me make that clear, in round numbers their gun banning nirvana had a violent crime rate five times that of gun drenched America. In more recent times London and New York City… Read more »
Meghan just wants to show how she can control him. Any woman who does not have a decent relationship with her dad (if living) has issues.
One day he will find a mistress that will curl his toes just as much as she did and treat him with genuine respect. Then he’ll wake up.
“The Duchess of Sussex is a renowned animal lover and refuses to wear fur. She is also against bloodsports,” and that, “Meghan has expressed concern over Prince Harry killing ‘defenceless animals.’”…….Want to bet she eats meat?
It is amazing what some men will sacrifice and do for a little of that, ummmm, well you know. The last time I had a broad tell me she didn’t like the fact that I went hunting I hung up and never spoke to her again.