A close friend of Prince Harry’s fiancé, Meghan Markle, has revealed that Markle employs a strict fur-free wardrobe policy. Speaking to British media publication, The Independent, Gina Nelthorpe-Cowne explained that Markle takes an ethical stance against establishments that support poor standards of animal welfare.
Nelthorpe-Cowne is the co-founder and Managing Director of Kruger Cowne Talent Management and was Markle’s commercial agent between 2014 and 2016. “She flat out refuses to promote fur or animal products, instead opting to wear faux fur,” Nelthorpe-Cowne said. Similarly, Markle discussed her personal fashion style with Good Housekeeping last year; the “Suits” actress revealed she is an avid fan of vegan leather trousers.
Markle’s interest in animal welfare appears to expand further than fashion. Nelthorpe-Cowne added that Markle once spotted a live parrot caged as part of a hotel’s decor. She claims Markle said, “I can’t stay here because of the parrot,” before cancelling her booking to find other accommodation. Similarly, late last year a “royal insider” reported that Markle had convinced her partner Harry to abstain from the long-standing tradition of hunting on Boxing Day.
Additionally, Markle previously shared that she eats a plant-based diet during weekdays as much as possible.
In preparation for Markle and the prince’s upcoming wedding, the couple requested that well-wishers lend their support to charity instead of bearing gifts. The pair hand-picked seven charities that best reflect their values. Two of the seven organisations focus on environmental and conservation causes. Surfers Against Sewage, which works to save marine life by removing plastic from the ocean, and The Wilderness Foundation UK, which educates people on the importance of conservation, both appeared on the list.
The popularity of fur-free fashion is growing as of late. Earlier this month, InStyle became the first major fashion magazine to officially ban fur. Similarly, Donatella, who is the head designer at high-end label Versace, announced the brand is ditching fur. Fellow designer labels DKNY and Donna Karan soon followed suit.
It’s not just companies embracing the fur-free movement. San Francisco recently became the largest city to date to enact a ban on fur, and this month, India banned the import and sale of all seal fur and skin. Norway has also announced fur farming will become illegal in coming years, while the UK parliament is considering implementing a similar ban.
