Thank you for contacting me about the King's Guards ceremonial caps.
I do not generally sign EDMs but I am aware of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ (PETA) ongoing campaign to replace the real fur used in the King’s Guards' ceremonial bearskin caps with faux fur.
I understand that individual soldiers do not own their own hats and that they are cared for and shared within the Household Division. Despite their constant use, every effort is made to carefully prolong each ceremonial cap’s longevity. On account of this, they usually last for more than a decade, with some having been in use for as long as 60 years.
That said, I understand that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) have long looked for an alternative material to bearskin. Indeed, I am informed that where sustainable, affordable and appropriate faux material exists, the MOD has used them.
I understand that tests conducted on potential faux fur products have shown that, while water penetration was reduced, it still did not meet the necessary standard, and performed poorly in the remaining basic requirement areas. In addition, the most recent test results, provided by PETA from an accredited testing house, have been analysed by the MOD. The analysis concluded that the fabric only met one of the five basic requirements. To date, and to the MOD’s knowledge, there is no faux fur alternative that meets the required standard to provide an effective replacement for the King’s Guards ceremonial caps.
However, the UK seeks to ensure that the pelts used to make the King's Guards caps are procured in the most responsible way possible. I understand that bears are never hunted to order for the MOD. Bear pelts used for the King’s Guards’ ceremonial caps are sourced exclusively from Canada precisely because it is a regulated market and a declared party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The bear pelts are legally imported into the UK in accordance with all export controls and the Canadian hunts are legal, licensed and authorised by each individual Canadian Province and Territory.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
