Army lifts 100-year ban on serving soldiers having beards, by Royal Appointment

Beards can be worn in the British Army with immediate effect after a survey found serving personnel, reservists and veterans were overwhelmingly in favour of overturning the ban.

The change was backed by General Sir Patrick Sanders, Chief of the General Staff, and it went as high as the Commander-in-Chief, King Charles.

Personnel have to tell their chain of command they intend to grow a beard and it has to look good within two weeks.

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In the policy update issued to personnel, the Army laid out strict rules and denied it was "going woke".

It said it was modernising and it was "important that our conditions keep pace with society".

"The feedback from His Majesty The King, our allies and partners, the public and our own people all informed the decision which has been made in the interest of SP [Service Personnel]," it explained.

The Announcement

The new policy was announced by the Army Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class 1 Paul Carney, the most senior non-commissioned officer in the service, in a four-minute social media message.

He said: "The new policy comes into effect today to allow those on Easter leave that wish to stop shaving time to grow a beard whilst on that leave.

"Secondly, the condition is that the beards have to be neat, our standards can't drop.

"The Army has a reputation for professionalism and a smart turnout with our allies and with the British public."

The New Rules

- Only a full-set beard will be allowed

- Length must be between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm)

- Must be trimmed off at the cheekbones and neck

- No patchy or uneven growth

- No exaggerated colours

An Army spokesperson said the service had "listened to our people and acted".

"Over the last few months, we've been conducting a review of our policy on personal appearance," they said.

"An extensive audience of regular officers and soldiers, reservists, full-time reserve service staff and veterans have taken the opportunity to provide their views.

"Army leadership have reviewed the findings and the Chief of the General Staff has directed that the appearance policy will change and officers and soldiers will be allowed to grow beards.

"We have listened to our people and acted."

The Royal Air Force allowed personnel to have facial hair in 2019, while the Royal Navy has permitted beards and moustaches for many years.