Prince Harry’s Beard Did Not Break Military Rules on Remembrance Day

Prince Harry's appearance at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day caused controversy when he was seen wearing a beard while dressed in Army uniform.

Many people criticized him, claiming that servicemen are not allowed to wear beards.

However, it has now been revealed that Prince Harry did not break any military rules.

The 33-year-old prince retired from active service two years ago and is no longer a serving officer.

Therefore, he does not have to comply with any military regulations.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman told the Mail Online that Prince Harry is a member of the Royal Family and at times his duties require him to don the uniform of a tied or associated regiment and does so with a beard, as did his great-great-grandfather before him.

Although British Army rules forbid all beards, except in a few rare circumstances, such as when a soldier is suffering from a skin complaint, or has strong religious reasons for retaining facial hair, Sikhs are allowed to retain their beards while in uniform due to their religious beliefs.

Additionally, special forces or others on covert operations are permitted to grow beards when behind enemy lines, but they would not wear them on parade.

There is also a tradition that allows a very small number of pioneer sergeants to wear a beard when on official duty, but members of the Queen's personal guard have never been allowed to do so.

The Queen, Harry's grandmother, is Colonel-in-Chief of the Blues and Royals, while the Colonel of the regiment is Princess Anne, his aunt.

It is one of the two cavalry regiments of the household cavalry, the other is the life guards, and can trace its history back to Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army of the 17th century.

Throughout the centuries, officers have been known for their clean-cut appearances, although some occasionally grew mustaches and connected side whiskers, especially when serving in Muslim countries.

The Royal Navy, in which Harry's father, Prince Charles, served, has always been allowed beards, but officers are told to shave them off if they are not full enough.

Prince Harry left the army in 2015, aged 31, after being commissioned as a cornet, the equivalent of second lieutenant in the Blues and Royals, which after the life guards is the second most senior regiment in Britain.

He now concentrates on charity work and other royal duties, but would normally be expected to abide by military regulations when in uniform.