Sophie Wessex bans her son from shooting with the Royals after THAT shocking photo of Prince Edward's hunting party 

  • Banned her eight-year-old son from all shoots to protect him from attention
  • Prince Edward was photographed appearing to fire a shotgun near his son 
  • Image was taken at Sandringham in November 2014 and caused a furore
  • Source told MoS Sophie was 'fiercely protective' of both of her children 
It was the astonishing picture that stunned royal observers a year ago: Prince Edward appeared to be firing his shotgun just feet away from the head of his son James, Viscount Severn.
Now I can reveal that, in a draconian step that reflects her shock and concern about the affair, Sophie Wessex has banned her eight-year-old son from all shoots to protect him from any unwanted attention.
The photo that caused the furore was taken at Sandringham in November 2014, and James was notably absent from the same event this year, and was not present at yesterday’s traditional Boxing Day shoot either.
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Sophie Wessex has banned her eight-year-old son, pictured together at the races on December 19, from all shoots to protect him from any unwanted attention
A source close to the family tells me: ‘Sophie persuaded Edward it wouldn’t be a good idea to take James to any shoots this year. 
Sophie Wessex has banned her eight-year-old son, pictured together at the races on December 19, from all shoots to protect him from any unwanted attention
'She would prefer Edward not to shoot either, but that’s never going to happen.