The bearskins were first worn by British soldiers in 1815, following the defeat of Napoleon's French Imperial Guards at the battle of Waterloo. There’s a freaky reason they wear those hats. While you might think it's fun to get in their way and try to make them laugh, the reality is these guys will straight up break you if it comes down to it. The Queen's Foot Guard consists of five regiments, including Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh guards. The Queen's Guard and Queen's Life Guard (called King's Guard and King's Life Guard when the reigning monarch is male) are the names given to contingents of infantry and cavalry soldiers charged with guarding the official royal residences in the United Kingdom. The British Army has regiments of both Horse Guards and Foot Guards predating the English Restoration (1660), and since the reign of King Charles IIthese regiments have been responsible for guarding the Sovereign's palaces. Since before the 1660 Restoration, the British Army has held a guard for the royal family, including foot guards and horse guards. The Guards are fully operational … Almost as intimidating as the screen name “nibs123” … The 18-inch-tall (45.7cm) bearskins worn by the Foot Guards are made of real bearskin from Canadian brown bears and weigh 1.5lbs. gold buttons that bear The Queen's insignia. The Bearskins. The black-hatted redcoats who guard royal residences in London and beyond, including Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, are the Queen's Guard. Traditionally the protection of Queen Elizabeth II and her London residence, Buckingham Palace, is the duty of the Queen’s Guard.