King of Spain's grandchild was legally too young to use the Shotgun

There has been a new twist to the shooting accident suffered by the oldest of King Juan Carlos grandchildren, Froilán. The 13 year old accidentally shot himself in his right foot; it’s thought with a twin barrel 36 calibre shotgun. It’s a common weapon in the hunt for small game. He was on holiday with his father, Jaime de Marichalar, and his sister, Victoria Federica, at his father’s family home in Soria. Now it has been established that he was using a firearm which is not allowed for the under 14 year old; the rule is described as a ‘serious infraction’. For children between the ages of 14 and 18 year a special authorisation is needed to use firearms, obtained from the Guardia Civil. They also have to be accompanied by an adult. The National Arms Association has commented that a 36 calibre shotgun ‘is the appropriate for a child to learn’ to start this activity. Floilán’s right foot has been surgically cleaned in an unnamed Madrid hospital but he is not thought to be seriously hurt.