British lawmakers are pressing the Ministry of Defence to replace the traditional bearskin hats worn by the King’s Guard with synthetic alternatives, citing ethical concerns over animal welfare. A cross-party group of 18 Members of Parliament and one member of the House of Lords sent a letter to Luke Pollard, arguing that the ongoing use of real bear fur lacks justification under modern standards.
Parliamentary Pressure and Animal Welfare Concerns
According to the cross-party parliamentary group, the current procurement practice fails to align with government pledges to enhance animal welfare. The lawmakers have urged the Ministry of Defence to halt new orders of bearskin hats until a suitable synthetic substitute is successfully developed in collaboration with manufacturers. The group stated in their letter that bears continue to be hunted with crossbows, leaving cubs orphaned, simply to supply fur for ceremonial military headwear.
Animal rights organization PETA UK has campaigned against the use of real bear fur for years. PETA UK reported that the Ministry of Defence ordered 22 bearskin hats in 2024, followed by 96 orders in 2025. PETA UK asserts that each hat requires the pelt of at least one bear, meaning that 526 hats purchased by the ministry between 2017 and July 2024 account for an equivalent number of animal deaths. PETA UK has called on the ministry to redirect resources toward accelerating synthetic fur development to end support for the killing of wildlife abroad.
Ministry of Defence Requirements for Synthetic Alternatives
The Ministry of Defence stated to CNN that it remains open to replacing bearskin hats with faux fur provided any alternative meets rigorous performance standards. The department has established five mandatory tests for potential substitutes, evaluating water absorption, water permeability, appearance, drying time, and compression.
In addition to laboratory testing, any approved material must secure the approval of serving guardsmen to ensure it maintains its shape during ceremonial duties while remaining safe and comfortable. The ministry noted that alternatives will also be judged on environmental sustainability, availability, and long-term suitability. Furthermore, defense officials indicated they are willing to resume discussions with PETA should the organization choose to re-engage in collaborative work.
Tradition, Maintenance, and Costs
King’s Guardsmen from five infantry regiments—the Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, Scots Guards, Irish Guards, and Welsh Guards—wear the iconic bearskin caps during duties outside Buckingham Palace, at parades, and during the opening of parliament. The tradition dates back to the early 19th century, designed originally to give soldiers a taller and more intimidating appearance. Built on wicker cane frames and standing roughly 45 centimeters tall, the caps require intensive maintenance, including brushing, steaming, and shampooing.
With proper care, individual hats remain in service for decades, and some current examples have been in use for over 40 years. Government figures released in April show that a single new bearskin hat costs approximately £2,460, equivalent to roughly $3,300 USD. PETA UK estimates that the Ministry of Defence spent more than £1 million—or approximately $1.3 million USD—on the hats between 2017 and 2024.
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