21 MARCH 2016 GMT
‘Prince William has claimed that trophy hunting of wild animals such as lions should be allowed, as long as it’s “well-regulated” and raises money for conservation. It’s an attempt at pragmatism that makes all his other pronouncements on the plight of endangered species ring hollow and shows that he really hasn’t shaken off the 19th-century mindset that seems to afflict royal attitudes to wildlife.
In an interview for ITV News, William bemoans the fate of rhinos and elephants, which are being targeted by poachers and illegal traders for their lucrative horns and ivory. He speaks darkly of potential links to organised crime and funding of terrorism. He even says he’s spoken to an official about emptying the royal palaces of all their ivory trinkets to set a good example. Although he then undermines this by saying he only spoke “jokingly”. Most controversially, he suggests that regulated trophy hunting should be seen as an acceptable way to raise funds for the battle against poaching.’
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