A group of 19 members of the British Parliament has urged Defense Minister Luke Pollard to cease using natural bear fur for the hats worn by the Royal Guards and transition to artificial alternatives.
In a letter sent on September 15, the deputies instructed the Ministry of Defense and its suppliers to work with manufacturers to develop and implement an ethical material that aligns with government commitments regarding animal welfare.
The MPs stated that the use of natural bear fur is “impossible to justify” and that the Royal Guards’ uniforms must now meet “modern ethical standards.”
The British Ministry of Defense confirmed its support for replacing the fur and has already outlined five specific criteria that any alternative material must satisfy.
A previous Conservative government attempted to identify suitable alternatives but determined that none met the necessary standards for natural bear fur.
Traditionally, the Royal Guards’ hats have been crafted from North American black bear (baribal) fur, which is sourced from Canada.
