A royal controversy erupts as the Duchess of Cambridge is seen wearing real fur

On Sunday, the Duchess of Cambridge attended a church service in Sandringham sporting a furry grey hat. It has now been revealed that the royal’s eye-catching accessory is in fact made of real fur. But all is not as it seems.

In fact, Kate has impressed once again by opting for an ethical fur designer. Her recent style was created by Peruvian designer, Antonia Valentin Jacob, who runs the Lacorine brand.

Lacorine’s fur is ethically sourced from baby alpacas who die in Peru’s harsh climates which can hit as low as minus 20 degrees. Local artisans, who work under the Fairtrade label, supply Antonia with the fur on her many visits to the country’s mountains.

“The alpacas are not bred for slaughter. They die of natural causes in the harsh weather conditions and the farmers suffer terrible losses because they make money from sheering them for their fleeces. I visit them three times a year, flying to Cusco and take a bus to Sicuani to work with them. The ideas come from two worlds,” the designer told the Daily Mail.

The Duchess’s particular style is called the Sumac and retails for £320 at Lock & Co; one of the royal family’s favourite milliners. Kate first bought the design with sister Pippa five years ago, stocking up on a wide range of colours including black, chocolate brown and champagne.

Antonia says her company has effectively been saved by the Duchess after struggling sales turned into endless orders almost immediately after Kate’s appearance.

It’s the ‘Kate effect’ all over again.

Would you wear ethical fur? Tell us your thoughts at @YahooStyleUK.

Justin Bieber and other celebrities who wear real fur

Here’s what turning 35 might mean for the Duchess of Cambridge