Army reverses ban on beards for first time in 100 years with King Charles's blessing
Head of the Army, General Sir Patrick Sanders, took the decision to overturn the policy, with King Charles signing it off on Thursday.
King Charles has signed off a decision to overturn the British Army's 100-year ban on facial hair.
The move comes after a survey of serving and reservist troops demonstrated an "overwhelming" majority felt soldiers should be allowed beards.
Head of the Army, General Sir Patrick Sanders, took the decision to overturn the policy, announcing the change would come into effect immediately.
According to the new policy, only a "full set beard" is allowed, with lengths between 2.5mm and 25.5mm.
Under the rules, exaggerated colours won't be permitted, hair will have to be trimmed from the neck and cheekbones and there can't be any patchy or uneven growth.
In a video explaining the new rules, Warrant Officer Class 1 Paul Carney told soldiers their beards will be subject to review and must be kept neat.
He said: "Our standards can't drop. The Army has a reputation for professionalism and a smart turnout, with our allies and with the British public.
"We must maintain that reputation by continuing to look our best."
The army's former stance contrasted with that of the Royal Navy, which has allowed sailors to have full beards and moustaches as long as they have consent from their commanding officer.
Royal Air Force personnel have also been able to grow beards after a change to RAF dress rules in 2019.
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A defence source told the Telegraph people will shave if there's a chemical threat, as the Army had long defended the ban as required so beards didn't prevent gas masks from sealing around soldiers' faces.
Moustaches had been permitted for most soldiers in the Army, with beards previously only allowed for a few military positions on parade, including Pioneer Sergeants, Drum Majors and Pipe Majors.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps recently told The Times the Army needed to modernise amid its recruitment drive.
He was reported as telling the publication: "The armed forces get terribly pernickety about whether people have beards or not. Nowadays people have beards.
"How is it we are still struggling with recruitment and then arbitrarily saying you can't join [if you grow a beard]? It is time to modernise."
