British Army beards: Soldiers from the Welsh Guards show off their facial hair ... trends now
Soldiers in the British Army have been showing off their new beards for the first time after King Charles gave the green light to lift a 100-year ban on facial hair.
Fuzzy-faced troops from the Welsh Guards have become the first to be pictured sporting their military whiskers, while wearing their iconic black bearskin hats and red tunics.
The infantry soldiers are part of the Army's Household Division and are charged with guarding royal palaces and carrying out front-line combat operations overseas.
The Welsh Guards posted images of their Guardsmen on their official social media page on X, saying: 'The beards have arrived! Like it or lump it, the beards are here!
'Members of Number 2 Company proudly took up their posts on Kings Guard this morning, marching from Wellington Barracks to Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace.'
Soldiers in the British Army have been showing off their new beards for the first time after a 100-year ban on facial hair was lifted last month
Fuzzy-faced troops from the Welsh Guards have become the first to be pictured sporting their military whiskers, while wearing their iconic black bearskin hats
The infantry soldiers are part of the Army's Household Division and are charged with guarding royal palaces and carrying out combat operations overseas.
And the new bushy-faced band of squaddies have received quite the reception online, with one person saying: 'A long overdue update to the regulations. Looks good.' Another added: 'Looking sharp.'
But others weren't so keen and branded the the troops 'scruffy looking' and 'a mess'.
'Yes it’s now permitted but they look a bloody mess,' said one person. 'That’s it, say goodbye to the British Empire. Outrageous!'
While a third joked that Regimental Sergeant Majors, charged with overseeing troop discipline would be 'incandescent with rage'.
Soldiers and officers were finally allowed to grow a full beard after King Charles gave his approval, last month.
General Sir Patrick Sanders, the head of the army, decided the British Army's policy should be overhauled after a survey of serving and reservist troops showed an 'overwhelming majority' felt soldiers should be allowed beards.
The army's most senior non-commissioned officer announced the change just before Easter, meaning those wishing to stop shaving over holiday break
