A senior government official has refused to rule out young royals being called up for national service, as recently pitched by Rishi Sunak.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Minister of State for Indo-Pacific, said ‘the vast majority of our young people’ would be expected to serve in the mandatory programme.
The Prime Minister – who has not served in the army – argued national service would give a “renewed sense of pride in our country” and promote a “shared sense of purpose among our young people.”
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The scheme would compel Brits to complete a year-long military training or volunteering one weekend every month over a 12-month period when they turn 18.
(Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images)
According to The Telegraph, young royals would be expected to take part in the scheme. The Conservatives have said there could be some exemptions in rare cases.
Young royals – including Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – might have to serve. George, 10, would be the first when he turns 18 in July 2031, followed a year later by Princess Charlotte, nine, and three years later by Prince Louis, six.
Ms Trevelyan said that those signed up for the military would not necessarily be sent to fight, the Mail Online reports.
She said the scheme would teach practical and soft skills ‘which cannot be taught in the classroom or the lecture theatre’.
“That’s why this bold action is so important. By strengthening the talents of our young people, we tell those who would wish our country harm that we will not be bullied,” she wrote in her cringe-worthy rallying cry.
(Image: Getty Images)
She added that young Brits would learn aspects of ‘public service. Self-discipline. Coping in stressful situations.’
Trevelyan went on: “Let’s ensure we have invested in our young people to equip them with the resilience and skills they need for their futures. And in doing so show those who think the West is weak that they are wrong.”
Following the announcement, Home Secretary James Cleverly insisted people would not go to prison for refusing to do national service. He said this weekend: “No, there’s going to be no criminal sanction. There’s no one going to jail over this.”
But The Mirror found leaked national service plans do not rule out arresting teens for not taking part in the scheme. In a Q&A section of the document, it asks: “Will you arrest people who don’t comply?”
The response is: “It is right that those who contribute to our system are duly rewarded, and those who refuse receive none of the benefits. The Royal Commission will explore an appropriate incentives regime.”
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