Royal Military Service

[Quin]

Originally Posted by Next Star

Queen Elizabeth II is still the only female member of the British royal family to serve in the military and her sons both Prince Charles and Prince Andrew served in the navy.

Yes, but I wouldn't quite call it military service. I believe QEII provided ground transport and light auto maintenance during WWII. I have seen some reel footage in this regard. I hope it just wasn't some photo op.

I was very happy to learn that George VI stayed in London during the bombings and didn't flee to the countryside as many others did. Also pleased to see footage of him doing walk abouts with the then Queen assessing the damage.

I also recently read that G VI really did not want to go on the 3 month royal tour of South Africa in following the war in 1947. Instead, he wanted to say in the UK to be near his people at a time of great economic difficulty, unemployment and reconstruction. I am also very impressed with his commitment to his family and devotion to his wife, another uncommon trait as modern royals go. For all the claims that he was weak, not prepared for the throne and a stammerer, history has given him some credit at least when compared to modern royals.

[yvr girl]

Originally Posted by Quin

Yes, but I wouldn't quite call it military service. I believe QEII provided ground transport and light auto maintenance during WWII. I have seen some reel footage in this regard. I hope it just wasn't some photo op.

It was military service. You have to remember the times...women didn't have many ways to serve back then. They certainly weren't allowed in harms way. A support position like Princess Elizabeth, or as a nurse were pretty much it. You also have to remember that she was only 19 when the war was over.

Prince Philip saw active service throughout WWII. He was mentioned in dispatches. He was also present for the Japanese surrender.

[RhapsodyBrat]

Originally Posted by LadyK

Prince Andrew, Duke of York actually served in a war, (did he pilot a boat? I don't remember- but he got some recognition for his service)

i believe that was in the Falklands war (with Argentina), back in 1989.

[Next Star]

Prince Carl-Philp of Sweden served in the navy.

[Royal Fan]

As of now Both William and Henry are 2nd Lts how soon will we see them as Captains?

[Royal Fan]

How hard Will Williams Training be in The Navy and Air Force. and do you think there is a chance of <A. Prince Henry serving in a War Zone or B. Joining The Marines

[Von Schlesian]

Originally Posted by Royal Fan

As of now Both William and Henry are 2nd Lts how soon will we see them as Captains?

Both HRH Prince William of Wales and HRH Prince Henry of Wales have joined the Blues and Royals (a division of the Household Cavalry Regiment), and as such, are Cornets (not 2nd Lieutenants). This is however, merely a point of terminology, not an additional rank.

The general progression for army officers is 1-2 years until promotion to Lieutenant and then 3-5 years until promotion to Captain. Ofcourse, Her Majesty may wish to appoint them Royal/Regimental Colonels, Colonels-Commandant or Colonels-in-Chief of any regiments within the British or Dominions armies. In that event, when acting in the capacity of such an appointment, Their Royal Highnesses would wear appropriate rank for the appointment, despite them holding the rank of Lieutenant, Captain, Major etc in their own career units.

Originally Posted by Royal Fan

How hard Will Williams Training be in The Navy and Air Force. and do you think there is a chance of <A. Prince Henry serving in a War Zone or B. Joining The Marines

The training shall be no different than that of any other officers in training. However, HRH may wear the service rank equal to that held in the Army eg: should HRH Prince William take up Naval training while also being a Captain in the Army, HRH would probably wear the RN rank of Lieutenant etc. The same case applies to the RAF.

I believe there is a chance of HRH Prince Henry serving in a war zone but, only when HRH's military service has progressed so far as HRH being given a regular HQ appointment, meaning that regardless of being in Horseguards or Bazra, Prince Henry would continue in HRH's regimental work regardless. The most limiting point at the present time, is the risky nature of life commanding a squadron of armoured vehicles. Being regimental 2IC (or any other HQ appointment) wouldn't pose the same constant threat.

HRH Prince Henry belongs to the Army, to a Household Cavalry Regiment, had he wanted to join the Royal Marines, I'm certain he'd have done so. That not being the case, there's little chance of it occurring.