Prince Harry broke military rules at the Remembrance Sunday service.
The 33-year-old royal – who entered into the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2005 and was swiftly promoted to lieutenant for the British Army a few years later, which saw him serve in two tours of Afghanistan during his 10 years in the forces – has been accused of going against the military procedure as he sported a beard while wearing the British Army uniform at the memorial ceremony at London’s Cenotaph on Sunday (12.11.17).
And the red head’s failure to be clean shaven and remove the facial hair has upset a serving member in the elite cavalry regiment, who feels "let down" by Harry’s actions, even though he retired from active service two years ago.
The servicemen told the Mirror Online: "Prince Harry is letting us all down. There’s no place for beards in the Queen’s cavalry. He should have shaved it off for such an important day."
The British Army will only consent to a male keeping his beard in a few specific circumstances, such as if the soldier has a skin complaint, or for religious reasons, while the Special Forces allow men to grow facial hair if they are going behind enemy lines, but it is forbidden when on parade.
However, as Harry – who is currently dating Meghan Markle – is no longing a serving officer, the Ministry of Defence rules state he does not need to comply with all set rules.
Although Harry’s royal duties often require him to sport military attire, there is precedent for a member of the royal family to also don a beard.
And the red head is not the first royal to keep his stubble, as his late great great grandfather, King George V, also had a beard.
Prince Harry accused of breaking military rules
