Senior Royal Marines officials reviewing ban on beards that could soon be scrapped

Royal Navy officials have confirmed they are "reviewing" their policies, amid reports that a ban on beards could soon be lifted and the Royal Marines would become the remaining part of the Armed Forces approved to grow facial hair to help improve recruitment targets.

This news follows the British Army's decision last year to allow all Army personnel to sport beards for the first time in more than 100 years.

According to recent reporting in The Sun, a defence source said there will be "length and shape" limits when the rules, now being drafted, are implemented.

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

Royal Air Force bosses approved the growing of facial hair with strict guidelines in 2019. 

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: "The Royal Marines are reviewing recruitment and service policies."