Cross-party MPs urge switch from real bearskin to faux fur for palace guards

A group of 18 MPs and one peer from Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party have appealed to Defence Secretary Luke Pollard to stop ordering real bearskin for the ceremonial caps worn by the King’s Guard at Buckingham Palace and St James’ Palace. Their letter stresses that public sentiment and parliamentary precedent reject fur cruelty, and notes that bears are still being shot for their pelts. They request a suspension of further bearskin purchases until a suitable faux-fur substitute is found.

Data obtained by PETA shows orders for the caps have risen sharply since the Labour government took office, from 22 in 2024 to 96 in 2025. The Ministry of Defence has expressed backing for a synthetic alternative, outlining five performance tests and indicating readiness to re-engage with PETA on the issue. The government previously explored synthetic options but found none that matched the look of real fur.