CONTROVERSY SURROUNDS BEARSKIN CAPS: TRADITION, COST, AND ETHICAL CONCERNS IN THE UK

Thu 12 September 2024:

In the United Kingdom, royal traditions are difficult to change, but as the economy struggles, the high cost of certain ceremonial items is coming under scrutiny. One item drawing particular attention is the iconic bearskin caps worn by soldiers outside Buckingham Palace. These ceremonial caps cost an astonishing £2,000 ($2,610) each, according to figures from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Bearskin caps, famously worn by soldiers outside Buckingham Palace, have a history dating back to the early 19th century. These tall fur hats were first adopted by British soldiers in 1815 after the Battle of Waterloo, where the British Guards defeated Napoleon’s French Imperial Guard, who wore similar headgear. The bearskin was intended to make soldiers look taller and more intimidating.

A recent Freedom of Information request by animal welfare campaigners highlighted a 30% increase in the price of the caps in just one year, as reported by the BBC. What’s more, the caps are made from the fur of black bears, intensifying the debate around their use.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is leading the opposition, arguing that both the ethical treatment of animals and the high costs make a strong case for abandoning real fur in favor of alternatives. In recent years, nearly £1 million ($1.3 million) has been spent on these fur caps alone.

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The MoD responded by stating that they are open to exploring faux fur options—provided they meet “safety and durability requirements.” However, no alternative material has passed those tests to date.

The cost of the caps has risen significantly, from £1,560 ($2,036) in 2022 to £2,040 ($2,663) in 2023. Last year, 24 new caps were purchased, compared to 13 in 2022. According to the MoD, the price hike is linked to changes in contractual arrangements, with the fur being sourced from regulated bear hunts in Canada.

Proponents of the real fur caps argue that they are durable and retain their appearance, making them ideal for important ceremonial events like Trooping the Colour. However, PETA remains vocal about the cruelty involved, claiming that black bears are often killed with crossbows, causing prolonged suffering. The MoD counters that the fur is obtained legally from licensed hunts in a regulated Canadian market.

As the debate continues, the UK’s iconic ceremonial traditions face growing pressure to evolve in line with modern ethical and economic concerns.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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