Traditional Bearskin Caps Worn by the King’s Guard Now Exceed £2,000 Each.
Figures from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) show that the recognisable bearskin hats worn by troops outside Buckingham Palace have become more expensive than £2,000 apiece. Arguing that the caps are ethically dubious and a significant financial burden, animal welfare advocates, including the NGO People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), are pushing the MoD to turn to fake fur.
Why Has the Cost Surge Raised Ethical and Financial Concerns?
Made from black bear fur, the ceremonial headgear faced a thirty-percent annual price rise. Peta’s Freedom of Information search revealed that about £1 million had been spent on bearskin headgear in previous years. This large outlay has caused animal welfare organisations to wonder about the need to utilise actual fur.
A representative from Peta commented on the situation:
“The MoD needs to stop wasting taxpayer pounds on caps made from slaughtered wildlife and switch today to faux fur.
Why Does the MoD Defend the Use of Real Fur?
The Ministry of Defence admitted the growing expenses linked to “contractual arrangements” changes for the caps. Black bears killed in Canada provide the fur used to make hats during ceremonial events such as Trooping the Colour. The MoD claims that the cost of every cap increased from £1,560 in 2022 to £2,040 in 2023. The MoD acquired 13 the year before and 24 additional caps overall in 2023.
The MoD maintains that actual fur headgear has weathered the test of time despite increasing resistance. According to a ministry spokesman, the suggested faux fur substitutes have not satisfied the required standards for durability and safety so far. The official clarified:
“A faux fur version would have to satisfy safety and durability requirements,'” but too far, no alternative has passed all those criteria.”
Advocates of conventional hats contend they are relatively robust and maintain their looks over time. The MoD defends the long-lasting character of actual fur hats even though it has spent more than £1 million on replacements over the previous ten years.
What Are the Ethical and Traditional Debates Surrounding Bear Fur?
Peta and other animal welfare groups argue real fur argues that real fur is both needless and inhumane. Critics say a single headgear requires the fur of one black bear. These activists have also expressed worries about the hunting methods used for the animals. Peta has charged Canadian hunters with employing crossbows, which can cause bears to suffer for protracted lengths of time.
“It’s cruel and antiquated to kill a bear for its fur when faux fur alternatives exist,” Peta said.
Emphasising that bears are not mainly “hunted to order” for the hats, the MoD argues that its fur comes from authorised, licensed hunts controlled by the Canadian market. Peta has offered substitutes, including synthetic fibre fake fur material, but the MoD is still dubious about whether these choices satisfy the strict criteria needed for ceremonial attire.
What Tests Must Faux Fur Pass to Replace Bear Fur?
The MoD has specified five tests for any suggested synthetic fur substitutes. These cover assessing the material’s performance concerning water absorption, penetration, appearance, drying rate, and compression. According to the government, no synthetic material has passed all these tests to equal the quality and lifetime of natural fur.
Still, the ministry is willing to investigate further options.
“We are open to considering faux fur alternatives if they pass the requirements,” a spokeswoman said.
What Is Labour's Position on Reviewing Bearskin Alternatives?
Labour’s then-shadow defence minister expressed reservations over the continuous usage of actual fur while in opposition. They demanded an all-encompassing study of the possible options, the contracts, and bearskin cap expenses. Speaking before the House of Commons, they said:
“It is quite vital that traditions evolve and adapt if they are to survive.”
Now that Labour is in power, the demand to investigate faux fur substitutes might intensify. The MoD has said it is ready to examine any new synthetic materials that satisfy its ceremonial headwear standards. It has inspired the submission of samples for testing to ascertain if they can sufficiently replace bear fur.
How Has the Royal Family Influenced the Fur Debate?
Including the example of a royal family member who has made known their dedication to fake fur adds to the argument. They declared they would “not procure any new fur garment.” Although the MoD, not the royal family, decides on the King’s Guard bearskin hats, this attitude toward ethical fashion decisions might affect public opinion.
What Is the Future of the Bearskin Caps?
The argument around the famous Bearskin headgear still raises moral and economic issues. Although supporters of the conventional headgear contend that they are still the finest choice for ceremonial events, the MoD is under increasing pressure to change its position, given the rising expense and demand for ethical substitutes. Whether fake fur can satisfy the strict criteria is still to be seen. Still, given the MoD’s openness to testing substitutes, the future of these ceremonial icons could soon veer more contemporary and kinder.
