Prince George was at the centre of a Twitter storm after the three-year-old was pictured playing with a toy gun.

The young royal was seen pretending to shoot the plastic firearm at other children and even his mother, the Duchess of Cambridge.

Twitter users questioned why he had been allowed to play with the toy gun, with many of those pointing to the current surge in violent crime that has hit the UK.

Among them was Adrina Price, who said: 'Sad to see George playing with a gun when the whole country has a gun/knife crime situation.

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Young royal Prince George was seen pretending to shoot the plastic firearm at other children

Prince George was at the centre of a Twitter storm after the three-year-old was pictured playing with a toy gun

The young royal was seen pretending to shoot the plastic firearm at other children and even his mother, the Duchess of Cambridge

People on Twitter were not too happy with the toy guns, asking why the youngster was allowed to play with a replica

'Maybe in training for killing wild life in later years. Thought he was a sensitive child.

'Better if he was seen playing with a toy car or football. Sadly the royals will never change.'

Twitter account Elegantroyals added: 'This was the only disappointing thing about today’s polo match.

'I really don’t get toy guns - why play with things you should never have to use

'Kate alone shouldn’t be blamed about this as we don’t know who owns the toys, but someone should have said that this is not OK.'

Not everyone agreed, however, with other defending the royals, with one account writing: 'Get a life you muppets.'

Another added: 'Well, I'm outraged that people are getting outraged over petty things.'

He and his sister Charlotte had joined Kate to watch Prince William take part in the Maserati Royal Charity Polo Trophy at Beaufort Polo Club in Gloucestershire.

Twitter account Elegantroyals added: 'This was the only disappointing thing about today’s polo match'

Twitter users questioned why he had been allowed to play with the toy gun, with many of those pointing to the current surge in violent crime that has hit the UK

And his wife delighted fans with a surprise appearance on Sunday afternoon as she, George and Charlotte descended on Tetbury for a day of family fun.

At one point, mischievous Charlotte made Kate and Autumn Phillips collapse into fits of giggles as she performed an impressive headstand, while a shy George watched on.

George was no doubt delighted to be reunited with his cousin Savannah, who on Saturday was pictured cheekily covering his mouth with her hand as they watched the Red Arrows flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

The event came just a day after the family took part in the show-stopping Trooping the Colour parade in London.

Look at me! Three-year-old Charlotte impressed Kate as she showed off her gymnastic skills with a handstand - leaving her mother in fits of giggles

The charity match will help raise funds and awareness for two charities - the Royal Marsden, which the Duke supports as president, and Centrepoint, of which he is patron.

The match, which will see the Maserati team take on the Dhamani 1969 side, is part of the two-day Gloucestershire Festival of Polo, hosted by Beaufort Polo Club from 9th-10th June.

Tickets cost up to £150 a head for the event, described by organisers as a 'special day out' and featuring rural demonstrations, a tented 'shopping village' and traditional funfair.

The first day of the event, a highlight of the equestrian calendar, was attended by the likes of Carol Vorderman, Lisa Maxwell and Richard Hammond.

Sunday's match is part of a series of charitable polo matches that the Duke and Prince Harry will play in this summer.

The two brothers have taken part in polo fixtures in support of their charities since 2007, and have continued each year since, raising over £11 million for charitable causes to date.