In a historic move, the United Kingdom has lifted its ban on beards in the British Army, ending a tradition that has persisted for over a century. Starting from Saturday (March 30), British army personnel and officers are now permitted to wear beards, as reported by the British news media BBC.

Under the new directive, soldiers are required to maintain neat and tidy beards and mustaches. This change comes after years of deliberation and discussion within the military ranks.

Previously, several other countries such as Belgium, Denmark, and Germany allowed soldiers to sport beards, sparking debate within the UK armed forces. The British Army was the last branch to hold onto the tradition of clean-shaven soldiers.

The decision to allow beards also extends to soldiers of specific religions, including Sikhs, Muslims, and Rastafarians, who were previously permitted to wear beards if it did not pose a risk to their function, health, or safety.

UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, in an interview last year, criticized the ban on beards, calling it "ridiculous." The move marks a significant departure from longstanding military norms and reflects the evolving attitudes toward personal appearance within the armed forces.