The Duchess of Cornwall was the centre of controversy yesterday after wearing a rabbit fur scarf during a visit to Westonbirt School, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire with Prince Charles.

On a bitterly cold day, Camilla’s scarf attracted little attention as she toured the historic school’s new £3.1 million Copland Sports Centre.

However, the Duchess’s choice of neckwear was later attacked by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). “It’s very surprising and shocking that she should choose to wear fur,” spokeswoman Anita Singh claimed. “She should be setting a good example, particularly as Charles has strong views over the conservation of wildlife, and not be glorifying the slaughter of animals.”

The UK Daily Mail commented: “PETA claim that rabbits are bred purely for the fur market and are not a by-product of the food industry. The rabbits are often kept in cramped cages before being electrocuted or having their necks snapped in a painful death, Ms Singh said. The trade is illegal in the UK but furs are imported from Scandinavia and China.”

Clarence House later confirmed the scarf was made of rabbit fur and that Camilla has worn it before.