The famous British guards, knows as the Queen's Foot Guards, come from several regiments in the British Army. They are most commonly recognised by their red uniforms, towering black bearskin hats and their commanding presence at Buckingham Palace.
The guards have been a part of British history for more than 360 years, and their distinct ceremonial uniforms are also remembered throughout history. The guards' hats stand approximately 18 inches tall and weigh around 1.5 pounds. The hats are made from Canadian black bears fur and it's reported that it takes one bear pelt to make one hat, which can last for 80 years if cared for properly.
Each regiment puts a slightly different spin on the famous ceremonial hat. One of the regiments, the Grenadier Guards, fought at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, and their trademark hats date back to this era. They were designed to intimidate their enemies by making them appear bigger.
