TRIALS have begun to test a potential breakthrough in artificial fur that may replace the bearskin ceremonial caps worn for nearly two centuries by the Foot Guard regiments.

The alternative to the glossy black bear fur of the Guards’ imposing ceremonial caps is being tested by the textiles agency for the Services. Samples are also being examined by the Guards.

The British Army has been trying for ten years to find an alternative to the bearskin fur because of rising complaints from animal welfare pressure groups, who have accused the Guards of being party to the slaughter of thousands of bears every year in Canada.

The Household Division has countered the animal rights’ case with the defence that none of the bears culled has been killed because of an order for bearskins from the Army.

A spokesman for the Household Division, which comprises the Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, Scots Guards, Irish Guards and Welsh Guards, said: “Twenty thousand black bears have to be culled in North America each year, from which we buy fewer than 100 pelts a year for the Guards’ bearskin caps.”

Prince Harry, who has just started his first term at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, could be among those to wear bearskins with artificial fur if he joins the Welsh Guards.

This was his original choice, although he is now believed to be leaning more towards The Blues and Royals or The Life Guards of the Household Cavalry.

One of the most vociferous animal rights organisations that has been campaigning against the Household Division’s historic use of real black bear fur is now planning to demonstrate against the Queen when she goes on an official visit to Canada on a week today.

A member of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) is proposing to dress as a bear and stalk the Queen during her ten-day tour.

Andrew Butler, the campaign co-ordinator for Peta, said: “It is outrageous that bears continue to be killed in Canada for a ceremonial hat in Britain.”

The Household Division said that this argument was totally wrong and that bear pelts were made available only because of the annual cull that had to be carried out to keep bear numbers under control.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “Bears are not shot for their fur. Bearskin is used from animals shot by Canadian Rangers or licensed hunters.”

However, the results of trials of an artificial fur are being awaited to see if industry has finally come up with a solution.

The Household Division spokesman said: “None of the previous tests on artificial fur has proved any good. Either the artificial fur soaked up water or it became discoloured or, in some cases, when there was static in the air, the hair stood on end.”

Unlike busbies, worn by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and some military bands, which are pill-box shaped and used to consist of tight beaver hair, the tall bearskin caps worn by the Guards regiments have long and luxurious bear fur; and all attempts to re-create the same effect without damaging consequences have failed. Fur for busbies has been artificial for some years without suffering the problems of waterlogging, discolouration and “hair-raising”. If the latest fur technology solves the problem, replacing the bearskin fur would take place as caps come in for refurbishment.

Mr Butler said: “Our bear [in Canada] will follow the Queen to demand an immediate ceasefire for the bears while the modern synthetic bearskins are being tested.”

BEAR NECESSITIES

Drummers in the marching military bands of today wear fake leopardskins

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