Its traditionally a Bootneck thing Pops and done in good jest (in my experience) and received well too. But then again, the Royals always did have slightly suss habits, such as dressing up as women in the block. Must be a ship thing.
Problem is, the Booties know when are where to do it, and they do it with style (well, with as much style as one can muster, standing in the snug with bollocks like a mountain goat after 3 months in the Arctic Circle). These guys are army though, and they don't know the craic.
Another harmless tradition down the pan now that someone will seek to stamp it out.