Full Breakdown
Push to Replace Real Bearskin Caps on Buckingham Palace Guards
By Drooid · · How we work
Government Use of Real Bearskin Caps
The tall fur caps worn by the King’s Guard at Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace have been part of British ceremonial dress since they were introduced to the British Army after the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The caps are made from real bearskin pelts sourced from Canada and are supplied to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the ceremonial units.
Parliamentary Call for Change
Eighteen Members of Parliament and one peer from the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green parties sent a letter to Defence Minister Luke Pollard urging an immediate halt to orders for real bearskin and a switch to a faux-fur alternative. The MPs argued that the continued use of real bearskin is “impossible to justify” and that it conflicts with the UK public’s longstanding rejection of the fur trade. They called on the MoD to work proactively with manufacturers to develop a suitable synthetic replacement that meets the government’s animal-welfare commitments.
Ministry of Defence Position
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the MoD backs replacing bearskin caps with a faux-fur alternative and has established five tests that any substitute must pass.
Order Volume Increase
Freedom-of-information data obtained by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) show that orders for the caps have risen more than fourfold since the Labour party assumed power, increasing from 22 caps in 2024 to 96 caps in 2025. PETA has long campaigned for a synthetic replacement, including a parliamentary petition and legal action against the government.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We call on you to instruct the Ministry of Defence and its suppliers to work proactively with manufacturers to develop and adopt a suitable faux fur alternative, in line with the Government’s commitment to advancing animal welfare.” — The MPs