Duchess of Cambridge praised by animal campaigners

Catherine, Duchess Of Cambridge has won praise from animal rights campaigners after she reportedly opted out of the royal family's annual Boxing Day pheasant shoot.

The British royal came under fire from wildlife experts over reports suggesting she was set to join her in-laws for a day of shooting on Monday (26Dec11) at Queen Elizabeth II's Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England.

However, the duchess reportedly declined to participate and the decision has won her praise from officials at the League Against Cruel Sports.

A spokesperson for the organisation says, "We are pleased that Kate has decided not to take part in the annual bloodbath. Rather than emulating Diana the Huntress, perhaps the British public is seeing a new Kate who is taking after Diana, the Princess of Hearts (Diana, Princess of Wales)."

The Boxing Day shoot was organised by the queen's husband, Prince Philip, who missed the day out due to his hospitalisation for heart surgery over the holidays.