The majority of us ‘oohed’ and ‘aahed’ when Kensington Palace released a series of new photos honouring Prince George’s third birthday, but it didn’t take long for some members of the public to find fault with the gorgeous shots.
It wasn’t the playful stills of the future king wandering through the meadow or standing on his parents’ swing which caused ire, however; it was the photo of George feeding family dog Lupo a white chocolate-covered ice cream that sent social media into meltdown.
Indeed, a number of Twitter users expressed anger over the fact that George was feeding Lupo the tasty treat – because while chocolate is said to be toxic for dogs, the pets are also known to be allergic to dairy.
Can’t believe it’s been three years already! pic.twitter.com/JFJOJtIgm6
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 22, 2016
While one person dubbed little George a ‘Monarchist Monster’, others have accused the poor tot and his parents of animal cruelty.
“Prince George needs chucking in prison for feeding that dog an ice cream. Irresponsible animal cruelty paid for by the taxpayer,” wrote one unimpressed Twitter user.
Monarchist MONSTER! - Never give a dog Ice Cream! At worst: it'll die, At best: the dog will diarrhea everywhere! https://t.co/FPUoiGWXxt
— My Opinion Podcast (@MyOpinionPod) July 22, 2016
Prince George needs chucking in prison for feeding that dog an ice cream, irresponsible animal cruelty paid for by the taxpayer
— King in the North (@GRColton) July 22, 2016
Two complaints about Prince George's official photos: you shouldn't feed dogs ice cream, and the monarchy is an archaic & undemocratic insti
— Robin Johnson (@rdouglasjohnson) July 22, 2016
Meanwhile, amid the furore, the RSPCA has been forced to issue a statement advising people against copying Prince George’s actions.
“We would advise people to be cautious when giving their dogs food meant for human consumption as some items, like chocolate, can be highly toxic to dogs and dairy items can be difficult for them to digest,” the statement on MailOnline.com read.
Matt Porteous took the photographs of Prince George at The Duke and Duchess's family home in Norfolk recently. pic.twitter.com/QVluW3KNUH
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 22, 2016
They added: “Instead of ice cream, we would suggest making an ice lolly from pet-friendly ingredients. Making these can be really fun for children, and the end product is both safe and enjoyable for dogs.”
Elsewhere, some are totally shocked by the drama the photo has caused, with numerous Royal fans standing up for the birthday boy.
The dog is in a loving, caring home. A child trying to feed it ice cream doesn't make it animal cruelty. Give it a rest ppl ! #PrinceGeorge
— Effie (@psychology_mom) July 22, 2016
For heaven's sake people! Lighten up! Royals criticized over photo of Prince George feeding dog ice cream https://t.co/6Uc3NxmwYX
— Nelson Armstrong (@oneoldsage) July 22, 2016
“Special circle of hell for people who deride gorgeous pics of innocent children in order to slag off parents. Leave Prince George alone!” tweeted one upset woman.
Just wait until George is old enough to have his own Twitter account – then the fun and games will really begin.
