AFTER Princess Diana, who hated blood sports, I never thought any prominent member of the royal family would have the courage to stand up and say no to partaking in shooting birds out of the sky for fun. So, well done, Kate.

Buckingham Palace claims her decisions is “a private matter”.

Not so. Kate will be Queen one day and what she believes is of public interest.

Let’s hope she takes the same stand on fox hunting, that would be one in the eye for po-faced courtiers in Buckingham Palace.

I have made no secret of the fact that I am a Republican but, nevertheless, it is encouraging to know that one member of the royals is anti-blood sports.

Hugh Pender, Darlington.