Kate Middleton has been blasted by animal rights groups after joining her boyfriend Britain's Prince William on a deer hunt.
The 25-year-old brunette - who accompanied William and his father Prince Charles deer stalking on the royal family's Scottish estate, Balmoral, on Saturday - has been attacked for taking part in the blood sport in a bid to "endear herself to the royal family."
Barry Hugill, spokesman for The League Against Cruel Sports, said: "It is very sad that Kate has been sucked into such activities by William."
"His mother, Princess Diana, would turn in her grave if she knew he had taken part because she was opposed to blood sports."
A spokesman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said: "It is abhorrent that she is engaging in blood sports. Kate is obviously trying to endear herself to the royal family which is absolutely appalling."
Kate was photographed wearing camouflage gear and getting a shooting lesson with a rifle before joining the rest of the party on the Highlands hunt.
The outing is believed to be a definite sign that Kate has been fully accepted back into the inner royal circle following her brief split from the prince earlier this year.
One source told Britain's News of the World newspaper: "This is a huge significant step for Wills and Kate's relationship. This visit indicates how Kate has been fully integrated into the royal way of life. But more importantly it shows Prince Charles fully accept her."
Some royal sources have suggested the hunt is part of Kate's campaign to prove she "has what it takes" to be William's wife and the couple are definitely heading for marriage.
Following the deer stalk, the couple retreated to a secluded log cabin on the estate to watch the England rugby team beat France in the Rugby World Cup semi-final.
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