The wife of Prince William reportedly went against protocol and opted to "stay in the background" following pleas from animal rights organisations to step out of the Sandringham Estate celebration.
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"At the moment Kate is very much the bright new star of the Royal Family and the Palace is keen for her to keep her nose clean," a source told the Daily Star. "Activists have begged her not to join the shoot. No-one wants to see her caught up in a scandal so soon."
Middleton's move has been commended by a number of charity representatives, with the League Against Cruel Sports commenting: "We are pleased that Kate has decided not to take part in the annual bloodbath."
PETA further praised the Duchess of Cambridge for continuing the anti-bloodsport sentiments held by her late mother-in-law Princess Diana.
"The Royals have always had a hard time adjusting to social value," president Ingrid Newkirk commented. "Rather than emulating Diana the Huntress, perhaps the British public is seeing a new Kate who is taking after Diana, the Princess of Hearts."
Prince Philip was absent from the Boxing Day shoot due to his hospitalisation for a blocked coronary artery. He was discharged this morning (December 27) after recovering from heart surgery.
