Fur-ious Controversy: The Soaring Cost of British Royal Guards’ Bear Fur Hats Sparks Outrage
‘Cruel and Expensive’: The Soaring Cost of British Royal Guards’ Real Bearskin Hats Sparks Controversy
The UK Ministry of Defense has released figures showing that the iconic bearskin hats worn by soldiers outside Buckingham Palace now come with a hefty price tag of over £2,000 each.
Animal welfare activists, who obtained the data through a Freedom of Information request, have expressed outrage over the 30% increase in the cost of ceremonial hats made from black bear skin. Peta, a prominent animal rights organization, has condemned the use of real fur, citing both moral and economic concerns. The organization claims that the UK Ministry of Defense has spent over £1 million on the purchase of these fur hats in recent years.
In response to the criticism, the Ministry of Defence has stated that it is open to exploring alternative materials, provided they meet the necessary safety and durability requirements. However, the ministry has yet to find a suitable faux fur alternative that meets these criteria. The sharp price increase is attributed to changes in the contract terms, which now involve the use of fur from Canadian bears.
The cost of the hats worn by the King’s Guard has risen significantly, from £1,560 per hat in 2022 to £2,040 per hat in 2023. Peta has called on the UK Ministry of Defense to reconsider its use of real fur and opt for artificial alternatives instead. Elisa Allen, a Peta member, has urged the ministry to “stop wasting taxpayers’ money on hats made from wild animals and use artificial fur instead.”
The distinctive tall hats are worn by soldiers during military parades and ceremonies. The Ministry of Defence has purchased 24 new hats in 2023 and 13 in 2022, with over £1 million spent on replacing the hats over the past decade. While supporters of real fur hats argue that they are durable and suitable for military ceremonial purposes, animal welfare campaigners contend that the use of real fur is cruel and unnecessary.
The decision to use real fur lies with the Ministry of Defence, rather than the royal family. However, Queen Camilla has reportedly opted for faux fur garments, stating that she “will not be procuring any new fur garments.” Peta has also criticized the hunting methods used to obtain the black bear fur, alleging that crossbows are used, causing the animals to suffer longer. The Department of National Defence has countered that the fur used comes from licensed hunts in the regulated Canadian market and that bears are not “killed to order” for hats.
Alternative artificial fur materials, such as synthetic fibers, are available, but the Ministry of Defense has yet to approve them due to concerns over their comfort, shape retention, and performance in various weather conditions. The ministry has established a set of five test requirements, including water absorption, permeability, appearance, drying speed, and compressibility, which must be met before any alternative material can be considered.
Labor’s shadow defence secretary, Stephanie Peacock, has called for an “immediate review of alternatives to bearskin, a thorough study of contracts and costs.” The Ministry of Defence has expressed its willingness to consider alternative materials and has invited industry experts to submit material samples for testing.