Pictures of Kate Middleton on a shooting trip at Balmoral with Prince Charles and Price William have been blasted by animal rights campaigners.

The images, which show Price William’s current squeeze clutching a rifle under the direction of Price Charles, were described as ‘barbaric’ by Barry Hugill, of the League against Cruel Sports.

He said: ‘I don’t think Kate Middleton has shot before, to the best of my knowledge.

‘That’s why it’s so sad that it almost seems necessary that she must kill animals to be an acceptable member of the Royal Family.’

The photos show the 25-year-old wearing a camouflage jacket, with gaiters over her boots.

In another she is pictured lying stretched out in the grass taking aim.

Mr Hugill said: ‘Charles and his son have an appalling record of slaughtering animals for fun, and it’s terribly sad that William is introducing his girlfriend to such a barbaric and unacceptable pastime.’