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Fur protesters greet opera singer
27 Dec 2008- Snow set to wreak transport havoc
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Katherine Jenkins arrived at Harrods to a chorus of boos as dozens of anti-fur campaigners protested against the Welsh singer's decision to open the store's winter sale.
Protesters chanted "shame on Catherine" as the mezzo soprano arrived at the historic Knightsbridge store by horse-drawn carriage. The boos were eventually drowned out by claps and cheers from bargain hunters queuing outside as Jenkins - wearing a black dress with white detail - was ushered into the store by chairman Mohamed al Fayed.
The queues started to form outside the shop overnight, a Harrods spokesman said. Further cheers were heard as Catherine began the traditional annual countdown to mark the start of the sales.
Campaigner John Wilson, from the Coalition to Abolish Fur Trade, said: "We are gathered here today because of our disgust at Ms Jenkins who professes to be against animal cruelty and the fur trade.
"We understand that Harrods is now the only major store in the UK to sell imported fur."
Followed by a group of bagpipe players, Jenkins and al-Fayed visited the shop's stationery, pets and musical instruments department.
Jenkins was then pictured buying two Jasmine di Milo dresses - one in grey and one in black.
Vegetarian Jenkins said she tried not to let the campaigners "dampen everyone's fun".
Flanked by her mother Susan, who joined her on the tour, the singer said: "I was very excited to join the sales - I am a girl's girl, so obviously this is my idea of fun. Personally I do not eat meat or wear fur, but people are entitled to their opinions."
Reader views (5)
Shame on you Katherine - you should have known better... I used to think you were great - bought your last two releases - but not anymore...
Yes, you are just like everyone else - greed dictates.. and a desperate need for publicity at any cost...
- Eileen, London, 31/12/2008 14:54
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She opened the sale because she's just like every other -she puts money before everything else!
- Mike, Poole, 28/12/2008 18:29
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Shopping & Self are not good qualities. The proliferation of such has wrought havoc on this planet and all its life forms. A lesson for us all is being taught by these protestors.
- Keith, London, 28/12/2008 18:17
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Shame on you Katherine have you not seen the horrific pictures of animals killed for fur. Everyone might be entitled to an opinion but condoning cruelty is despicable
- Sue Jones, wales, 28/12/2008 15:42
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So if she doesn't wear fur and is a vegetarian, then why is she supporting the only department store in the UK which sells real animal fur?
Not promoting herself to animal lovers that for sure!!
- Kerry, London, 27/12/2008 20:52
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