Prince William wants the military to do more for women facing harassment

Prince William has waded into the treatment of women in the armed forces for the first time, calling for a military culture that is more inclusive and respectful. The prince, who will one day lead the forces, warned those values are not always being met. He wrote the piece as guest editor of Country Life after private meetings with service women of all ranks across the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, according to royal sources.

In his own words, William wants the job he loved opened up to everyone. He wrote that he wants to make the military feel like the welcoming, open and professional place he enjoyed. As a former serving officer, he added that he really minds when those who wear the uniform now do not feel safe, respected or valued.

The article leans on a Ministry of Defence survey that found 67% of service women face unwanted sexualised behaviour every year, and that 30% have thought about quitting the forces because of it. It also references Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, who took her own life at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire in 2021 after months of unwanted attention. She had reported a sexual assault, and an inquest heard the complaints system failed to respond properly.

William also heard about sexualised bullying: inappropriate comments, rumours spread about women who turned down sexual advances, and late-night harassment in barracks. One junior service woman described women being used as commodities.

The article balances the grim findings with signs of progress, pointing to efforts to stop outdated thinking and behaviour and highlighting women with successful military careers. It notes kit such as body armour is now adapted for women instead of assuming the default is male.

Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton said he knew the experience of women in the armed forces had not always been what it should be. Where behaviours and attitudes have fallen short of the standards expected, he said, the military must be honest about that and keep driving change.