Under the new mandatory program introduced by the Conservative Party, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—would be expected to complete a year of National Service when they turn 18.
“National Service schemes in countries around the world show just how fulfilling it is for young people,” the UK PM said on Sunday.
According to Anne-Marie Trevelyan, a Senior Minister, the trio is expected to serve either in the military or volunteer in the community under the plans outlined by PM Rishi Sunak in the new election proposal. “Fundamentally the Prime Minister has been clear this would be for the vast majority of our young people, our 18-year-olds, this would be a mandatory part of both their continued education and journey to adulthood.”
The new proposal mandates that all 18-year-olds either serve a paid year in the military or dedicate one weekend a month to unpaid community service. This manifesto commitment by the Conservative Party has ignited the first significant debate of the election campaign.
If the program is implemented, Prince George, currently 10, will be the first of the Wales children to participate when he turns 18 in July 2031. Princess Charlotte, now nine, would follow in 2032, and Prince Louis, six, would join the National Service in 2035. The introduction of the National Service would also affect other royal children.
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie’s children, along with Prince Edward’s 16-year-old son, are also expected to participate once they reach the age of 18.
In the past, members of the Royal family have served in the army, including Prince William, who spent approximately 7.5 years in full-time military service. Last week, King Charles appointed Prince William as the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. With this title, the Prince of Wales now oversees the regiment in which his estranged brother, Harry, served during his time in the British Army.
Harry, who has moved to the US with his wife Meghan Markle and their son Archie, was an officer in the British Army for ten years.