Why the Duchess of Cambridge's outfit has sparked controversy
When the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge kicked off their four-day tour of Sweden and Norway in Stockholm last week with a fun game of “bandy” (a sport similar to ice hockey), all eyes were – as usual – on Kate’s outfit.
The expecting royal mum kept warm in black pants, snow boots and a thick jacket, accessorising her look with white gloves, a burgundy scarf and a charcoal-coloured wool beanie with a cute grey pom-pom.
Cosy, practical and chic. What could possibly be the problem?
Well, as keen-eyed social media users were quick to figure out, according to the website of the hat’s designer Eugenia Kim, the pom-pom is made of arctic fox fur. The hat’s description even reads, “Worn by Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton on the 2018 Royal Tour to Sweden.”
Twitter users were up-in-arms at the thought of the Duchess wearing real fur.
I officially hate Cambridge woman now for wearing fur. @KensingtonRoyal Disgusting and inexcusable! Kate Middleton Duchess of Cambridge https://t.co/W4s3yRYhD3
— Amy Wyatt 🇷🇺 ❄️ (@Lewisno1fan) January 30, 2018
However, royal reporter Richard Palmer spoke to Kensington Palace officials who “double checked and [are] adamant the hat is faux fur”.
Kensington Palace has double checked and is adamant the hat is faux fur. It won’t confirm the make. Is this #fakefurnews?
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) January 30, 2018
But it appears it all may have been a storm in a teacup. Eugenia Kim has updated her website to add the following: “Please note: this style is also available to be made to order with a faux-fur pom.”
However, many are still sceptical. Tell us in the comments below, do you think it’s wrong to wear real fur?
Image credit: Kensington Palace/Twitter.