As a member of the Royal Navy, I believe it is time to allow sailors to wear a neatly groomed moustache. While changes have been put in place for the Army and Royal Air Force permitting beards, the Navy remains the most restrictive service when it comes to grooming regulations. 

Unlike other moves to aid retention and modernise, this would not compromise on tradition. Prior to 1866 moustaches were common around the fleet. It was a personal preference of Queen Victoria inspired by Russian soldiers in the Crimea to end the 300 year long stint of moustache wearing British Sailors since the birth of the Royal Navy. In 2025 it is time to start again. 

The UK Defence Journal in 2019 reported the Army and the Royal Air Force (RAF) revised their guidelines to allow full set beards, recognising the evolving norms and preferences of their personnel. Meanwhile, despite being in a retention crisis, the Royal Navy has not made comparable changes which disproportionately influence our personnel's freedom to express their identity (source: UK Defence Journal, 2019). 

It is vital to keep up with changing societal norms and allow moustachioed sailors to serve proudly, without prejudice or judgment. After all, at the core of our service is the belief in unity, respect, and the freedom to be ourselves.

It’s the time for the Royal Navy to follow in the footsteps of the Army and RAF. Join us and sign the petition seeking a fresh look at the Royal Navy regulations, aiming for the acceptance of moustaches within the service.