Soaring cost of King’s Guards' real fur bearskin caps revealed

The price of the King's Guards' iconic bearskin caps has dramatically increased, raising concerns among animal rights activists and the Ministry of Defence. These ceremonial caps, which are made from the fur of black bears, are worn by soldiers during important events outside Buckingham Palace. According to recent figures released by the Ministry of Defence, the cost of each bearskin cap has risen to over £2,000, marking a significant increase of 30% from the previous year when they were priced at £1,560. This information was disclosed following a Freedom of Information request made by animal welfare organizations, including Peta, which has long opposed the use of real fur. Peta argues that the use of real fur is not only an ethical issue but also a financial burden, as the government has spent approximately £1 million on these caps in recent years. They are urging the Ministry of Defence to cease the use of real fur and transition to faux fur alternatives. The Ministry of Defence has expressed a willingness to explore the possibility of using fake fur, but they emphasize that any alternative must meet specific safety and durability standards. So far, no fake fur option has been able to satisfy all of these requirements. The increase in the price of the bearskin caps is attributed to changes in the contractual arrangements for their production, with all caps being made from bears hunted in Canada. The Ministry of Defence has reported that 24 new caps were purchased in 2023, while 13 were bought in 2022. Over the past decade, the total expenditure on replacement caps has exceeded £1 million. Supporters of the use of real fur argue that these caps are durable and maintain their appearance for ceremonial occasions. However, animal rights advocates contend that it is cruel and unnecessary to use real fur, noting that it takes the fur of one bear to create a single bearskin cap. The decision regarding the use of real fur lies with the Ministry of Defence rather than the royal family. Notably, Queen Camilla has opted to exclusively purchase fake fur clothing, stating in a letter that she will not acquire any new fur garments. Concerns have been raised regarding the methods used to capture and kill black bears, but the Ministry of Defence maintains that all fur used for the caps is sourced from legal and regulated hunts in Canada. They clarify that bears are not specifically hunted for the purpose of making the caps. Peta has proposed various fake fur alternatives, including materials made from synthetic fibers, but the Ministry of Defence remains unconvinced that these options can meet the five criteria they have established for a suitable bearskin alternative. These criteria include water absorption, penetration, appearance, drying rate, and compression. In response to the ongoing debate, Labour's former shadow defense minister, Stephanie Peacock, has called for an immediate review of potential alternatives to bear fur, emphasizing the importance of adapting traditions to ensure their survival. With Labour now in government, the Ministry of Defence has indicated that it is open to considering faux fur alternatives and welcomes the submission of material samples for testing.