Queen Elizabeth II Quits Wearing Animal Fur

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, will no longer wear real animal fur. According to the Queen’s dresser and confidante, the Queen’s future outfits will only feature faux fur. Reports speculate that the decision to forgo animal fur came after pressure and criticisms from animal rights groups, which condemn animal cruelty caused by fur farming and production. The Buckingham Palace clarified, however, that the Queen’s fur clothes will not be disposed of completely. The Queen will continue to wear her existing clothes with animal fur, which include coats, hats, and ceremonial robes used for official events. Several animal rights groups praised the Queen’s move to go fur-free. Claire Bass, executive director of Humane Society International, said the monarch’s decision will send a powerful message that fur is no longer in fashion. Still, other activist groups appeal to the Queen to extend this fur-free policy. For one, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) called on the Queen’s Guard to stop wearing their signature bearskin hats. Other groups are also urging the UK government to ban fur sales. Responding to the call against fur sale, the British Fur Trade Association (BFTA) argued that, compared to faux fur, real animal fur is sustainable, long-lasting, and plastic-free. Some fashion activists agree, claiming that plastic-made faux fur takes a long time to naturally decompose. Additionally, the BFTA points out that fur can be ethically sourced. It can be a by-product of the food industry, re-manufactured from existing products to save on raw materials, or reclaimed from animal regulation projects to reduce waste.