Britain Lifts 100-Year Ban on Soldiers Having Beards

The British Army's ground forces will now be allowed to grow beards, as the 100-year ban has been lifted. This is reported by the Telegraph newspaper.

According to the publication, the order permitting both officers and soldiers in the ground forces to have beards was signed by King Charles III, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces. The order takes effect today to give soldiers on leave for the Easter holiday time to grow a beard away from service.

The decision to lift the ban is linked to discussions addressing the crisis of recruiting new soldiers into the army. During the debate, Defense Secretary Grant Shapps notably stated that the ban on beards is "ridiculous." Military personnel serving in the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy have also been permitted to have beards.

The order stipulates that beards should be "neat" and in accordance with the principles and standards of smart appearance for service members.