Much has changed for Prince Harry following his marriage to Meghan Markle- from stepping down from his royal duties to moving to California.
But there were smaller changes too for the Duke of Sussex following their fairytale nuptials as a short while after their wedding in 2018 he reportedly gave up a prized possession his new wife reportedly did not approve of.
Once an enthusiastic hunter, having been photographed with a water buffalo he had killed in 2005, Harry made an ethical decision to give up hunting and sold a pair of handmade hunting rifles, estimated to be worth £50,000, in a private deal back in 2020.
The Sun reported that the Duke of Sussex parted with the much-loved gift in 2020 and the hunting rifles were handed to the new owner in a private deal, who was oblivious to the fact that the newly bought Purdey firearms bore a royal connection.
Founded in 1814, James Purdey & Sons, or simply Purdey, are renowned for bespoke sporting shotguns and rifles.
As reported in the outlet, a source said: “He bought them because he wanted them, not because they belonged to Harry, but he was quite chuffed when he found out.”
The insider further added the new possessor is “very pleased with them but he’s not the sort of person who wants to boast about the royal connection.”
The sale took place before Meghan and Harry left the UK for Canada, and subsequently moved to Montecito, California.
In April 2020, British primatologist Dr Jane Goodall said she believed Harry would give up hunting for good as a result of Meghan’s influence.
Dr Goodall was asked on Radio Times if Prince Harry and Prince William are champions of the natural world, “Yes – except they hunt and shoot,” she claimed.
“But I think Harry will stop because Meghan doesn’t like hunting, so I suspect that is over for him.”
Prince Harry, like his brother, William, has been very passionate about his work to protect animal wildlife and his focus on conservation efforts. He has spent a whole lot of time in Africa over the years specifically dedicated to helping preserve endangered species and combatting illegal poaching.
Harry and Meghan’s relationship, however, has come under the spotlight just recently with the couple choosing to make a number of solo public appearances, rather than stepping out together over recent months.
A friend of the Sussex couple claimed that the new string of solo appearances is part of their new plan, which will see them focus on their individual projects and attend more events separately.
The insider told People: “The Duke and Duchess have now hit their stride as individuals – not just as a couple.
“The Duke appears focused on his patronage work, and the Duchess focused on her entrepreneurial track.”
They added: “It’s clear that a twin-track approach is evolving.”
