Why are bearskins worn

As for the red tunics, which are worn during the summer months longer gray coats are worn during the winter , there's a long-standing rumor that the Brits chose scarlet because it disguised bloodstains, which were bad for morale and unsightly.

But that's nonsense, Fitzwilliams said. Instead, it all came down to frugality. So, the British queen is guarded by officers who wear the same uniforms as soldiers on active duty did two centuries ago. Anachronistic, maybe, but it's traditions like this that make the British royals famed the world over, Fitzwilliams said. New plans could see the elimination of bearskins worn by the British Foot Guards — made with fur from the Canadian black bear — along with the House of Lords ermine.

By Davina Motion. Future laws concerning the industry would require justification on protecting animal welfare grounds in order to comply with World Trade Organisation rules, it is understood. A total of seven Army regiments, including the Coldstream Guards and the Welsh Guards, are authorised to wear the inch black headwear, that weights two pounds, following the defeat of French Emperor Napoleon in By Chandler Tregaskes.

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Recommended Calls to shut down fur trade after mink become infected with coronavirus. More about fur Army Queens guard. Already subscribed?