The Duke of Sussex parts with prized possessions in a private deal, following an ethical shift post-marriage

Prince Harry made a significant change in his life following his 2018 wedding to Meghan Markle, not just in terms of stepping down from his royal duties, but also in the smaller, personal decisions he made. Among these was the sale of a prized pair of hunting rifles worth an estimated £50,000, a move that came shortly after his marriage to Meghan.

Once an avid hunter, Prince Harry’s enthusiasm for the sport was well-documented, with past photographs showing him with the trophies of his hunts. In 2005, for example, he was photographed next to a water buffalo he had killed. However, his marriage to Meghan Markle seemed to mark a shift in his values, particularly regarding hunting.

In 2020, Harry made the decision to part with his handmade hunting rifles, a gift he had long cherished. The rifles, crafted by renowned British gunmaker James Purdey & Sons, were reported to have been sold in a private transaction. The buyer, according to The Sun, was unaware of the royal connection attached to the Purdey firearms, but he was still pleased with the high-quality craftsmanship of the bespoke shotguns.

A source close to the Duke revealed: “He bought them because he wanted them, not because they belonged to Harry, but he was quite chuffed when he found out.” The rifles, which had been valued at £50,000, had been a significant part of his collection, but Harry’s decision to sell them reflected his evolving views on hunting and his desire to embrace a more ethical lifestyle, something that his wife, Meghan, had influenced.

The decision to part with the firearms marks a larger shift in Harry’s personal values, one that mirrors the changes in his life following his marriage. His move to California with Meghan, stepping away from the royal family, and his focus on environmental issues all point to a growing desire to align his actions with his ethical beliefs.

James Purdey & Sons, established in 1814, are known for producing custom-built sporting rifles and shotguns, sought after by enthusiasts around the world. However, for Harry, these guns no longer symbolised his passion for hunting, but rather, a part of his past he was ready to move on from.

Meghan, known for her advocacy for animal rights and environmental causes, has long been a supporter of ethical practices, which has no doubt influenced Harry’s evolving outlook. His decision to relinquish the rifles also appears to be an attempt to distance himself from past behaviours that were seen as inconsistent with his wife’s values, further reflecting the couple’s shared goals for a more compassionate future.

The sale of the rifles is just one of many changes in Prince Harry’s life since marrying Meghan. From his charitable work with mental health initiatives to his increasing focus on environmental causes, the Duke of Sussex’s decisions continue to make headlines. But this particular sale is notable not only because of the value of the possession but also because of the personal growth it represents for the Duke.

As the couple continues to establish their lives in California, it’s clear that Harry’s personal transformation is ongoing, influenced by both his own experiences and his wife’s values. While his past as a royal and a hunter will always be a part of him, it’s clear that Harry is now looking towards a future where his actions are more aligned with his ethical beliefs, and where Meghan’s influence plays a significant role in shaping those choices