Over the weekend, Rishi Sunak made his first major policy announcement of the general election campaign. The UK prime minister revealed his plans to revive National Service, under which 18-year-olds will be enrolled into mandatory military service for one year. While the children of the Royal Family will also be affected by the policy, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s kids are set to avoid it.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle’s kids to avoid National Service
As Sunak revealed his bombshell plans for mandatory military service, he said Sunday, “National Service schemes in countries around the world show just how fulfilling it is for young people.” The proposed plans gave rise to the big question of whether the children of the royal family would be impacted by it.
The Conservative Party confirmed to The Telegraph that there would be very limited exemptions from the service. This means that Prince William and Kate Middleton’s children- Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis will be expected to serve in the military when the program is implemented.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior working royals and relocated to the United States in 2020. As Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are being raised in America, they will not be expected to take part in the National Service.
“We want to make sure Britain’s future generations can get the most out of National Service, that’s why we’re looking into ways it can open doors they wouldn’t otherwise get in work or education,” Sunak continued, adding, “Only the Conservatives will take the bold action required to deliver a secure future for the next generation.”
Meanwhile, senior minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan told SkyNews, “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.”
Abhinav Thawait is a globe-trotting correspondent with a passion for international affairs. With a background in international relations, he offers a global perspective on the most pressing issues around the world. Abhinav’s curiosity takes his to the far corners of the earth, where he seeks to share untold stories and diverse viewpoints.
