The raging debate about the iconic caps worn by King's Guards
The raging debate about the iconic caps worn by King's Guards
Jennifer Hassan, USA TODAYSun, June 14, 2026 at 11:52 AM UTC
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The bright red uniform and bearskin caps worn by the Kings Guards outside royal residences and at events like Trooping the Colour are famous worldwide. But the distinctive caps – worn in battle during the 19th century to make soldiers appear more intimidating – are not just iconic but also controversial: They are made from the fur of black bears.
Animal-rights groups say it is high time the caps were swapped for faux fur, citing ethical and financial issues. The British Ministry of Defense, however, says swapping to an alternative fabric is not so simple.
"Each cap costs a bear their life," PETA senior campaigns manager Kate Werner said in an email to USA TODAY. "With modern, high-quality faux fur readily available, there is no excuse to continue using bear fur."
Members of the Household Division march during the Trooping the Colour parade to honor Britain's King Charles, as part of the official birthday celebrations, in London, Britain, June 13, 2026.
Werner called on the ministry to "act and develop a humane faux fur cap."
According to PETA, the ministry purchases the caps from manufacturers who source bear fur from Canada. In Canada, hunters are issued hunting tags by the government, allowing them to kill an allotted number of bears and sell the pelts.
Citing a 2024 PETA video exposé, the association said hunters "often" bait bears with sweet treats before shooting them using high-powered crossbows.
"Many bears are shot several times, and some escape only to die slowly from blood loss, gangrene, starvation, or dehydration," PETA's statement said.
In 2024, the ministry ordered 22 new bear skin caps for the King's Guards, though this figure rose by more than 300 percent last year, with 96 caps ordered, PETA said, citing Freedom of information requests.
Members of the Household Division march during the Trooping the Colour parade to honour Britain's King Charles, as part of the official birthday celebrations, in London, Britain, June 13, 2026.
The bearskins can last up to 20 years if maintained correctly, though some bearskins have been in use for up to 60 years, the ministry told USA TODAY.
The cost of caps is rising. Each cap now costs taxpayers £2,361, or $3,166, PETA said as it called on the governing Labour party to instruct capmakers used by the ministry to switch to faux fur.
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What does the ministry say?
Britain's Ministry of Defense said in a statement to USA TODAY that it was considering changing the iconic headwear but so far had not found a suitable alternative fabric. Fabric for the ceremonial caps needs to be able to maintain its shape over time and be comfortable and safe to wear.
Any alternative fabric would need to meet several requirements, including being as absorbent and as able to dry quickly, as well as looking as good as the bearskins. If those requirements are met, the ministry would then assess a replacement against sustainability and affordability compared to real bearskin.
Approval for "shape and comfort" would also be required, the ministry said, while also citing the historical links to the caps.
Members of the Household Division march in front of the Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour parade to honour Britain's King Charles, as part of the official birthday celebrations, in London, Britain, June 13, 2026.
The current bearskin caps weigh about 1.5 pounds, the ministry said, with the fur covering a "lightweight frame," so they are not too heavy for the guards.
"Bearskin caps worn by the five Regiments of the Foot Guards serve an important purpose. They commemorate the history of the Foot Guards whilst representing the nation on a daily basis. This makes the quality of paramount importance," the ministry said.
The ministry noted that the bear pelts "are product of legal and licensed culls, sourced exclusively from the regulated Canadian market," and that it procures the minimum number of caps to replace the ones that have "seen extensive use over extended years." There are more than 380,000 black bears in Canada, according to the Canadian government, and they are not endangered or at risk.
The royals and fur
Queen Elizabeth II pinning the blue and ermine cape around the neck of Prince Charles, as he is invested as the Prince of Wales at Caernarvon Castle, Wales, July 1st 1969.
Fine fur items – including crowns, hats and ceremonial gowns – have long been a staple of the royal wardrobe. Throughout history, kings, queens and other members of the royal family have donned luxurious fur stoles, floor-length fur coats, capes with mink trims and cloaks with ermine edges (that's weasel fur).
Queen Elizabeth often donned fur for public engagements and for trips overseas; the late monarch even rocked real leopard skin in her younger years. In 2006 she attended the State Opening of Parliament wearing a white fur stole which she paired with white gloves and the Diamond Diadem crown, made of 1,333 diamonds.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II arrives at the Sovereigns Entrance of the Palace of Westminster for the State Opening of Parliament in London 15 November 2006.
In 2019, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Queen Elizabeth would not purchase any more real fur outfits, though noted she would still wear existing fur items already in her wardrobe. The move was welcomed by animal rights campaigners who saw it as a positive step towards a more modern monarchy.
Two years after her death, Buckingham Palace penned a latter to PETA in 2024 saying that Queen Camilla would continue the fur-free legacy. The letter noted the queen would "not procure any new fur garments," a move that was welcomed by the association.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Inside the fight over the King's Guards iconic hats
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