Queen Camilla’s fur-bidden fashion: Monarch commits to fur-free wardrobe additions drawing mixed reaction

Max Corstorphan
The Nightly
Queen Camilla has committed to no new procurements of a controversial fashion item. (AP PHOTO)
Queen Camilla has committed to no new procurements of a controversial fashion item. (AP PHOTO) Credit: AP

A recent letter from Buckingham Palace has animal-rights advocates applauding and the fur industry in fury.

Queen Camilla has pledged to abstain from purchasing any new fur items, marking a decisive step towards aligning with evolving societal values on animal welfare.

The announcement, communicated through a letter from Buckingham Palace to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), has ignited contrasting opinions from advocacy groups and industry representatives.

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BBC has reported that the letter said The Queen “will not procure any new fur garments”.

“This comes with the Queen’s warmest wishes,” the letter reportedly added.

PETA, a prominent animal-rights organisation, lauded the Queen’s commitment, telling the publication it would be “toasting Queen Camilla with a glass of the finest claret”.

“It’s right and proper for the British monarchy to reflect British values by recognising that fur has no place in our society,” managing director Ingrid Newkirk told the outlet.

However, the International Fur Federation voiced its dissent, asserting that the Royal Family should not succumb to pressure from animal activists.

Emphasising an individual’s right to choose, a spokesperson said: “It is the right of everyone to decide what to wear.”

“Many people still buy fur as they prefer to wear something that’s natural and sustainable, unlike plastic-based fake fur,” the spokesperson said.

“We hope the Royal Family consider the environment when they decide what to wear - but freedom of choice is the key issue.”

The Queen’s resolution follows a similar stance adopted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2019.

While the commitment pertains to new acquisitions, it does leave the door open for retaining and wearing existing fur garments from the Queen’s collection.

This decision forms part of a broader royal effort to address concerns surrounding animal welfare.

Recent initiatives include the transition to animal-free materials in ceremonial practices, such as using paper instead of animal-skin parchment and refraining from serving foie gras in royal residences.

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