Royal Navy's blue nose ritual explained as HMS Prince of Wales enters Arctic Circle

HMS Prince of Wales is the latest vessel to enter the Arctic Circle and take part in the traditional 'blue nose' ceremony.

But what does the tradition involve, and why do personnel do it?

Originally a Royal Navy tradition – it includes the Royal Fleet Auxiliary as it delivers worldwide logistic and operational support to Royal Navy and Royal Marines operations – the 'blue nose' ceremony sees sailors get their noses painted blue when their ship passes into the Arctic Circle.

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An 'Order of the Blue Nose' certificate is also awarded to the sailors making their first crossing of the polar region.

It is not just the personnel that mark the occasion with blue painted noses – after crossing the Arctic Circle, it is tradition to paint a ship's bullring blue, showing it has passed 66.56° north. 

The tradition often includes variations which can range from dressing up as Vikings or having crew members swim in cold water.  

In September 2025, RFA Lyme Bay marked entering the Arctic Circle with sailors painting their noses blue and drinking hot chocolate. 

While in October 2023, for HMS Queen Elizabeth's first visit to the Arctic Circle, personnel got into ice baths on board as well as having their noses painted. 

The US Navy also has a ceremony to mark a sailor's maiden voyage into Arctic waters.

Personnel must complete an obstacle course before an audience with Boreas Rex, the King of the North, who decides if their frozen quest was a success by marking them with a blue nose.