The iconic image of the King's Guard (previously referred to as the Queen's Guard) standing outside Buckingham Palace, clad in red and black uniforms topped with a tall bearskin hat, is a quintessential part of British pageantry. But have you ever stopped to wonder, is that fur on their hats real?
Do guards wear bearskin hats?
Yes, they do, and the use of real bear fur for the guards' hats is a controversial topic.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) says the brown bear pelts, which come from Canada, aren't sourced from bears hunted specifically to supply the hats.
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is a vocal opponent of the use of real fur for the guards' hats countering that the fur trade is cruel and contributes to the unnecessary killing of bears.
Why do they use real fur?
Using real fur is a long-standing British tradition and embodies the prestige of the guards.
The MoD, which is responsible for the uniforms of the British Army, maintains that real bearskin is the most suitable material for the guards' caps. They argue that current synthetic alternatives don't meet the same criteria for waterproofing and appearance.
Is there an alternative to real fur?
PETA has argued that the fur for the bearskin hats often comes from Canadian black bears trapped in leg traps, which can cause immense suffering and even death.
They've also highlighted that advancements in synthetic materials have produced high-quality faux fur that can replicate the look and performance of real fur without the ethical concerns.
PETA have launched several campaigns to raise awareness about the cruel methods used in fur farming and the availability of humane alternatives.
Debate in parliament
In January 2022, animal rights organisation PETA, supported by singer Alesha Dixon, launched a petition calling on the MoD to replace the bearskin caps with a faux fur alternative created by the charity.
The petition, which received more than 106,000 signatures, was debated in Parliament in July 2022.
During the debate, Jeremy Quin, then Minister for Defence Procurement, explained that the MoD insists that PETA’s synthetic alternative fail their rigorous tests for water resistance, appearance, drying rate, and compression. While they say they're open to considering alternatives that meet these criteria, animal rights group PETA disagrees.
PETA believes their lab-tested faux fur not only meets but surpasses the MoD's standards. They argued this point in a lawsuit filed in December 2022, claiming the government failed to properly evaluate their product and the lab results. However, the High Court sided with the MoD, stating the decision to accept test results lies within their discretion.
Despite the setback, PETA remains undeterred and vows to keep pressuring the MoD to finally adopt a faux fur alternative, after nearly two decades of what they see as stalling on the issue.
PETA senior campaigns manager Kate Werner said: ‘we will keep the pressure on the MoD so that, after nearly 20 years of stalling, a faux fur cap can finally be marched into service.’
Celebrity support
British actor, writer, broadcaster and comedian Stephen Fry backs their bearskin campaign and has narrated a video for the action group.
‘By continuing to purchase caps made of black bear fur, the UK government drives demand for pelts and effectively incentivises hunters,’ says Fry, who was a guest at the 2023 Coronation of King Charles III.
Is the MoD likely to change its stance?
Despite the MoD's stance, the debate continues. Animal rights groups continue to campaign for a switch to faux fur, and public opinion appears to be shifting towards a more ethical approach.
Will the bearskin become a relic of the past?
Only time will tell if the tradition of the bearskin cap will endure. However, one thing is certain: the iconic image of the Queen's Guard, a symbol of British history and pageantry, is sure to spark conversation for years to come.
What’s the history of the bearskin?
The bearskin cap, also known as a bearskin grenadier cap, has been a part of the British Army uniform since the 18th century. Originally worn by grenadiers, elite soldiers who threw grenades (hence the name), the cap was adopted by all Foot Guards regiments in the 19th century.
There are several theories about the origin of the bearskin. Some suggest it served a practical purpose, intimidating enemies on the battlefield due to its fierce appearance. Others believe it may have been used for warmth or to deflect blows.
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