UK’s Revived National Service to Include Royal Children, Exempting Harry and Meghan’s Kids

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—will be expected to serve in the military under a new policy announcement by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Over the weekend, Sunak unveiled his plans to revive National Service, mandating one year of military service for all 18-year-olds. However, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children will avoid this requirement due to their residence in the United States.

Sunak emphasized the benefits of National Service, stating, “National Service schemes in countries around the world show just how fulfilling it is for young people.” This announcement has raised questions about whether the royal family’s children will be included in the program.

The Conservative Party confirmed to The Telegraph that exemptions from the service would be very limited, indicating that Prince William and Kate Middleton’s children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—will be expected to participate once the program is in place.

Having stepped down as senior working royals and moved to the United States in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will not be subject to the National Service requirement.

Sunak highlighted the broader goals of the policy, saying, “We want to make sure Britain’s future generations can get the most out of National Service, which is why we’re exploring ways to create opportunities they might not otherwise have in work or education. Only the Conservatives will take the bold action needed to secure a future for the next generation.”

Senior minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan reinforced the policy’s inclusivity, telling SkyNews, “The Prime Minister has been clear that this would be mandatory for the vast majority of our young people, our 18-year-olds, as a crucial part of their education and transition to adulthood.”