Thank you for contacting me about guards' bearskins.
The Ministry of Defence conducted tests on a fake fur fabric commissioned by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals as a potential alternative to the existing bear pelts used to make the Queen’s Guard’s ceremonial caps.
This material was assessed against five requirements and, as I understand it, while it met the basic standard for water absorption, it showed unacceptable rates of water shedding and performed poorly on visual assessment.
Sadly, as the man-made fur did not meet the standards required for a ceremonial cap which is worn throughout the year and in all weathers, the Ministry of Defence has no plans to take this man-made fabric forward.
Thank you again for contacting me.
Craig Whittaker MP
February 2022.