Royal Marines Commandos were instructed to shave their beards for a parade in front of King Charles III in June, despite Ministry of Defence (MOD) regulations updated last year to allow beards for elite soldiers. The order was issued on June 5, when the King, in his capacity as Captain General Royal Marines, presented new Colours to 40, 42, 43, and 45 Commando units at Windsor Castle.
Observers noted the absence of facial hair among the Commandos during the ceremony. Lieutenant Colonel Ewen Southby-Tailyour, a former Royal Marines Lieutenant Colonel, wrote in the official journal of the Royal Marines, The Globe and Laurel, that it was "wonderful it was to see not one scruffy beard beneath a white helmet."
An MOD spokeswoman clarified that while an initial report suggested the order came from Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the First Sea Lord and Commandant General Royal Marines, this was not the case. A Royal Navy spokeswoman stated that the presentation of new Colours was a "historic and high-profile occasion that required immaculate presentation and uniformity across all ranks." She added that "Under Royal Navy dress regulations, when undertaking ceremonial or large public events, senior officers can order the alteration of facial hair."
An MOD source confirmed that the order was made by unit commanders on the day of the event, not by Sir Gwyn Jenkins. The MOD began allowing recruits to keep facial hair in 2024, but Commandos were only permitted to grow beards starting in January of the same year.
Under current military rules, beards and mustaches must be connected, trimmed away from the neck and cheeks, and grown to a length between 2.5mm and 25.5mm. However, officers retain the discretion to order soldiers to shave their beards if deemed appropriate for large public engagements, unless the facial hair is a requirement of the soldier's religion.
Prior to 2024, British special forces, including the SAS, were permitted to wear facial hair. The June ceremony was significant as it marked the first time four commando units received Colours bearing the King's Royal Cypher simultaneously. Historically, Colours are highly significant to soldiers, representing a regiment's history and serving as markers on the battlefield in times of conflict.