Kate Middleton and Prince Charles enjoyed a rare bonding moment in Balmoral without Prince William.

Many believed that the Prince of Wales is closer to Prince Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, compared to Middleton. This is evident when the future king opted to walk Markle down the aisle after her father, Thomas Markle Sr., decided to cancel his attendance at the event following a heart surgery.

Prince Charles and Markle have been photographed together exchanging smiles and sweet gestures. Just like Markle, Middleton has a rare sweet moment with her father-in-law.

According to Express, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince of Wales bonded over Prince William’s favorite pastime in 2007 in Balmoral. Prince Charles and Middleton went hunting on the royal estate.

Middleton reportedly showed a remarkable level of confidence as she chatted with Prince Charles while he showed her the ropes about the blood sports. Prince William wasn’t seen with them during the sighting.

Their hunting was a success because later on Middleton was photographed holding what looked like two dead pheasants. However, many were not happy with Prince Charles and Middleton’s rare bonding moment.

The anti-blood campaigners were surprised to see Prince William’s then-girlfriend getting involved in hunting that it became a huge controversy, with many calling it “shocking and abhorrent.”

“It is shocking and abhorrent that she is engaging in blood sports,” the spokesman for campaign group People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said.

“Kate is obviously trying to endear herself to the Royal Family and her decision will do her no favours whatsoever.”

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were also criticized for taking their eldest son, Prince George, to his first grouse hunting in 2018. Many were concerned that the little royal would grow up without any empathy for the animals if he would be exposed to such activities.

Unlike Middleton, Markle is pro-animal and many believed that she will never take part in the royals’ favorite pastime. Prince Harry even skipped the royal tradition last year to avoid upsetting his wife, Markle.

According to The Sun, Markle may “fake a headache” just to avoid taking part in blood sports while in Balmoral. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the rest of the members of the royal family are expected to spend some time in Scotland to visit the Queen during her summer vacation.

Prince Charles, Kate Middleton and Prince William
Prince Charles, Kate Middleton and Prince William during a visit to Dumfries House on March 5, 2013 in Ayrshire, Scotland. Getty Images/Danny Lawson