The stars of Brussels: Belgian Royal Escort

When the Royal Escort was formed within the gendarmerie of the time, the artist and designer James Thiriar was commissioned, in 1938, to design a new uniform for the horsemen.
The designer drew inspiration from the great pre-1914 uniform of the gendarmerie.
The new ceremonial dress was approved by the King on 20 May 1939 and proved immediately popular among the public.
The bearskin, in particular, was a source of wonder and admiration.
BearskinNowadays, the horsemen of the Royal Escort still wear their original uniform with the black bearskin trimmed on the front with a gilt royal crown.
The horsemen deem it an honour to be able to wear the bearskin because it has always been the headwear of elite troops.Since 1792, the French elite cavalry have worn such a hat and when, in 1801, the gendarmerie of the period formed the consular guard, it earned the privilege of wearing the bearskin.
Most bearskins are still the original ones and therefore made of real bear skin.
When they are replaced, manmade materials are now used.
The Belgian bearskin is hoof-shaped, the British one egg-shaped.