Meghan Markle asks Prince Harry to snub Christmas tradition

Meghan Markle has reportedly asked Prince Harry to skip a royal Christmas tradition he's participated in for the past 20 years. 

According to the Sunday Mirror, the Duchess of Sussex, 37, has asked her husband, 34, to snub the annual pheasant hunt, an activity he usually participates in with brother Prince William.

In the latest episode of 9Honey royal podcast The Windsors, we trace the early life of Her Majesty. From her days as a young princess, when there was no expectation of kingship, to the shocking death of her beloved father and subsequent coronation at just 27 years old. (Article continues.)

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Meghan's request comes as rumours of rifts between the young royals continue.

"In his mind, William sees this as another concerning example of his younger brother being pulled away from his family by his new wife," a source tells the publication.

"But now it looks like Harry's shooting days are over."

Meghan is an animal lover and has asked Harry not to kill the "defenceless animals".

However, it is thought the annual event gives the brothers a chance to bond, something that has grown even more important to their relationship now that their lives have gone in different directions.

Earlier this year it was confirmed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would move out of Kensington Palace and instead reside at Frogmore House in Windsor ahead of the birth of their first child in early 2019.

Claims of tension between the royal couples continue, with reports the Duke and Duchess of Sussex declined an invitation to stay at Prince William and Kate Middleton's Norfolk home, Anmer Hall, for Christmas.

The two Duchesses have also be the subjects of rift rumours, with claims of tension in the lead up to the royal wedding on May 19 - in particular during a dress fitting for Princess Charlotte.