Prince Harry will stop hunting because Meghan doesn't like it, says wildlife expert
Prince Harry will probably stop hunting and shooting because his wife Meghan doesn’t like it, according to wildlife expert Jane Goodall.
Dr Goodall, 86, said the prince and his brother William were champions of the natural world, but indicated the Duchess of Sussex’s views could have more impact on Harry as they settle into life in Los Angeles.
Talking about the royals’ work in supporting the natural world, Dr Goodall said: “Yes, except they hunt and shoot. But I think Harry will stop because Meghan doesn’t like hunting, so I suspect that is over for him.”
The Royal Family takes part in shooting at various times of year, including a Boxing Day hunt.
There have been reports of Harry missing out on these occasions since meeting and marrying Meghan, often tied to her disapproval of blood sports.
But a palace source told the Daily Mail in 2018 that it was completely untrue to say the duchess had banned Harry from the sport.
Read more: Royal blood: How celebrities from Ellen DeGeneres to Ralph Fiennes have royal relations
Harry has been criticised in the past for hunting, particularly when a photo from 2004 emerged showing the prince with a water buffalo he had shot on a trip.
The Duke of Cambridge has also been criticised for his hunting hobby, and told ITV in 2016 that trophy hunting was sometimes justified.
Read more: Prince William and Kate hire Harry and Meghan's former social media guru
In the interview, Dr Goodall also spoke about Harry’s new life in LA, suggesting it was taking some getting used to.
She told Radio Times: “I don’t know how his career is going to map out, but yes, I’ve been in touch, though I think he’s finding life a bit challenging just now.”
Harry and Meghan are both big fans of conservationist Dr Goodall, and the prince interviewed her for the September issue of Vogue, which was guest edited by the duchess.
The couple moved to California from Canada in March, just as the border between the two countries was closing to tackle the spread of coronavirus.
They are reportedly hunting for a house in Malibu, the same area which Diana had wanted to move to when she was dating Dodi Fayed.
Harry and Meghan will launch a non-profit organisation called Archewell “when the time is right”, having filed paperwork in the USA for the name.
Read more: Harry and Meghan reveal new organisation name - and inspiration for calling son Archie
It comes from the Greek word “arche” which means source of action, and was the inspiration for their son’s name too.
They stepped back from royal duties on 31 March but have had to delay their next steps amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
The couple moved to California as it was in the midst of lockdown with millions of people ordered to stay at home.
Dr Goodall’s latest documentary The Hope, on National Geographic and National Geographic Wild, examines her 60-year legacy. The full interview is in the Radio Times.
