Why Buckingham Palace’s bearskin caps might soon be a relic of the past
Lawmakers said 18 MPs and one House of Lords member want faux-fur caps after PETA said the MoD ordered 96 in 2025.
- 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.
11 Articles
11 Articles
In England, the iconic black hats made from bear fur, worn by the King's Guards for nearly two centuries, have again become the subject of controversy. While names from different parties in parliament called for an end to the use of real fur, the Ministry of Defence said it was open to change if a suitable, sustainable and durable synthetic alternative was found.
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…
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