Kate Middleton has received backlash for inviting four-legged guests to her "Together At Christmas" carol service at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday .
After photos of the event appeared online, an animal welfare charity criticized the Duchess of Cambridge for using live reindeer.
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| Photo by Ian Vogler: Animals arrive at Kate Middletons carol service |
The photo of the reindeer was posted on social media by Richard Palmer, a senior royal correspondent, with caption "Guests, both two-legged and four-legged, have started arriving at Westminster Abbey ahead of a Christmas carol service hosted by the Duchess of Cambridge."
"Animal Aid" said in a statement that bringing reindeer to such public events was cruel to the "sensitive wild animals."
"We're sad to see #reindeer on display at an event attended by @KensingtonRoyal, the charity said on Twitter.
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has also voiced concerns for the welfare of reindeer used in festive events.