Royal couple Prince William and Kate Middleton have been called out by charity Animal Aid for their attendance at a recent event with live reindeer.
The charity has raised concern over the reindeer, which were at a festive carol service that the Duke and Duchess hosted. The Christmas community carol service was held at Westminster Abbey, and two reindeer can be seen at the entrance to the venue.
Taking to twitter, the charity wrote: "We’re sad to see #reindeer on display at an event attended by @KensingtonRoyal.
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"The @RSPCA_official has also voiced concerns for the welfare of reindeer used in festive events. We hope organisers will choose more kindly in the future - and that Will & Kate share our concern."
The charity has over 86,000 followers on the social media platform, many of which share their anger.
One user replied: "I just do not understand using clearly distressed, anxious animals as holiday props. Nothing says festive cheer like...animal abuse?"
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Another shared: "So very sad to see such a beautiful animal in distress".
Another used spoke out too, writing: "Those reindeer should not have been subjected to such grotesque amounts of shutter noise and flashes".
One user voiced their concern for the reindeers' welfare, commenting: "Crowds and noise and traffic music not a place for wild animals."
The event was held at Westminster Abbey to celebrate Christmas and the Duchess of Cambridge spoke out about how the pandemic has impacted the festive season. She wrote a message within the service's programme and highlighted the “importance of simply being together”.
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Kate's moving message also shared “how powerful human connection is to us all” and reflected on the “countless and previously unimaginable challenges” the nation has faced in the past two years.
Tyla has contacted Kensington Palace for comment.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Animals, Kate Middleton, Prince William, Royal Family, Christmas