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Will Prince George and Louis serve military under UK PM Rishi Sunak's bombshell pledge?

Prince William and Kate's children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis would be expected to do National Service for a year once they turn 18.

Published on: May 27, 2024, 16:23:45 IST
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Prince William and Kate Middleton's children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis would be expected to do National Service for a year when they turn 18 under new mandatory program unveiled by the Conservative Party.

The new plan would require all teenagers aged 18 to serve a paid year in the military or devote their one weekend every month for unpaid community service. (Reuters)
The new plan would require all teenagers aged 18 to serve a paid year in the military or devote their one weekend every month for unpaid community service. (Reuters)

According to a senior minister, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the trio is expected to serve either in military or volunteer in the community under the plans outlined by PM Rishi Sunak in new election proposal. “National Service schemes in countries around the world show just how fulfilling it is for young people,” the UK PM said on Sunday.

The new plan would require all teenagers aged 18 to serve a paid year in the military or devote their one weekend every month for unpaid community service. The manifesto pledge by Conservative Party has sparked the first major debate of the election campaign.

When asked if young royals with caring obligations would be required to participate, Trevelyan told Sky News that the scope of involvement would be determined by a Royal Commission.

"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," she added.

Also Read: Prince William reveals potential career plans of Prince George: 'He is obsessed with...'

When would Royal kids join National Service if program gets implemented?

If the program gets implemented, Prince George, now 10, will be the first of the Waleses to participate when he turns 18 in July 2031.

While Princess Charlotte, nine, would take part in 2032, Prince Louis, six, would join the National Service in 2035.

The implementation of National Service would also have an impact on other royal children as well.

The kids of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie and 16-year-old son of Prince Edward are also anticipated to participate once they turn 18.

In the past, the Royal family members have served in the army, with Prince William spending around 7.5 years in full-time military service.

Last week, King Charles conferred the rank of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to Prince William.

With the title, the Prince of Wales is now in charge of the regiment that his estranged brother, Harry, served in during his time in the British Army.

Harry, who has relocated to the US with his wife Meghan Markle and son Archie, was a British Army officer for ten years.

  • Shweta Kukreti
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shweta Kukreti

    Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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