Why Buckingham Palace’s bearskin caps might soon be a relic of the past

Soldiers in bright red uniforms and tall, black fur hats outside Buckingham Palace are a familiar sight for anyone who’s visited London.

But the distinctive caps – among the most recognizable symbols of the British monarchy – have become increasingly contentious for their use of real bear fur. Now, a group of British lawmakers has called on the government to end the use of real bearskins in the ceremonial headpieces worn by the King’s Guard. The practice is “impossible to justify” and should be replaced with synthetic alternatives, according to cross-party members of parliament (MPs).