Stephen Fry calls for a ban on bear fur in royal guards' hats

Stephen Fry supports a campaign endorsing synthetic fur over bear fur for the ceremonial hats worn by the King's Guard.

He denounces the notion that tradition justifies animal cruelty in a video exposing the killing of black bears, which has provoked debate despite the Ministry of Defence’s stance that the fur comes from legal hunts. These iconic hats are often seen during significant events like the Changing of the Guard.

Fry argues that high-quality faux fur is readily available, eliminating the need to harm wildlife. In a narrated video by PETA, he criticizes the cruel hunting practices detailed in an undercover exposé. The bears, sometimes fatally wounded by hunters using bait, provide fur for just one hat each.

He stresses the UK's continued purchases of bear fur support these hunters, contradicting the country's sportsmanship ideals. PETA plans to present the evidence to King Charles, urging a switch to faux fur. T

he Ministry of Defence, however, has not found a synthetic alternative that meets their standards, and Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on the matter.