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Why Buckingham Palace’s bearskin caps might soon be a relic of the past

In a letter this week to Defence Minister Luke Pollard, 18 MPs and one member of the House of Lords urged the government to replace real bearskin caps worn by the King's Guard with faux-fur alternatives.
Lawmakers argued that continued use does not "meet today's ethical standards," citing PETA data showing 96 caps were ordered in 2025 and 22 in 2024, costing more than $1.3 million since 2017.
Dating back to the 19th century, the 45-centimetre caps are maintained by The Welsh Guards, who say they are "brushed, steamed and even shampooed" to remain in service for decades.
A defence ministry spokesperson told CNN the MoD "backs replacing bearskin caps with a faux-fur alternative" and set five tests any alternative must pass, including water absorption and compression.
The lawmakers warned that "most urgently, while this process continues, bears are still being shot with crossbows and killed, their cubs orphaned, and their pelts used to produce new caps.

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Why Buckingham Palace’s bearskin caps might soon be a relic of the past

By James Frater, CNN London (CNN) — Soldiers in bright red uniforms and tall, black fur hats outside Buckingham Palace are a familiar sight for anyone who’s visited London. But the distinctive caps – among the most recognizable symbols of the British monarchy – have become increasingly contentious for their use of real bear fur. Now, a group of British lawmakers has called on the government to end the use of real bearskins in the ceremonial head…

22 hours ago·Idaho Falls, United States

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