Lucy Davis Appeals to UK Prime Minister for Faux Fur Caps Amid Cancer Diagnosis

Actress Lucy Davis has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, imploring him to direct the Ministry of Defence to transition the King's Guard's ceremonial caps from real bear fur to faux fur. The appeal comes as Davis, 53, navigates a diagnosis of incurable stage four breast cancer.

Davis, a longtime advocate for animal rights, expressed her hope that the change could be made within her lifetime. "Faux fur has come an awfully long way, and there is no reason why the grandeur and tradition of the King's Guards' caps cannot be preserved without costing bears their lives," she wrote in her letter. "I sincerely hope I get to see Britain finally commit to the caps being fur-free. Please, Prime Minister, won't you make this happen in my lifetime?"

This is not the first time Davis has campaigned against the use of fur in the caps; nearly two decades ago, she participated in a nude protest for the same cause. The Ministry of Defence sources its caps from capmakers who procure bear fur from Canada.

A 2024 investigation by PETA, an organization Davis has long supported, documented a practice where hunters allegedly bait bears with food before shooting them with high-powered crossbows. This hunting method is reportedly illegal in the UK under its wildlife protection laws. PETA claims that some bears endure multiple shots and slow deaths from injuries sustained during these hunts.

Davis publicly shared her cancer diagnosis in August, revealing she had discovered a small lump a year prior. Despite the incurable nature of her condition, she has stated she is "at peace with whatever comes next" and aims to "live out whatever might be left of my life in as fun a way as I possibly can." She recently completed a strenuous hike and ziplined through a California canyon, an experience she shared with her followers, noting the physical challenge due to her cancer having metastasized to her bones.

Known for her role as Dawn Tinsley in Ricky Gervais's comedy series "The Office," Davis also appeared in the DC film "Wonder Woman."