Why Do Royals Wear Ermine?

Ermine was the status quo fur for royalty, and the most sought-after fur for court presentations and official portraiture. European monarchs used ermine and art as a projection of power and wealth from the onset of their reign.

What is the white fur with black spots that royals wear?

Ermine (/ˈɜːrmɪn/) in heraldry is a "fur", a type of tincture, consisting of a white background with a pattern of black shapes representing the winter coat of the stoat (a species of weasel with white fur and a black-tipped tail).

Why is ermine so expensive?

Ermine Fur

Another lesser known option for expensive furs is ermine. This type of fur coat has a long history of use among royalty, which is part of the reason for its high cost today. However, when it was previously used for a coronation, it was often embroidered in gold. This greatly increased its value at that time.