Prince William vows to improve culture for military women
Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 10 Nov, 11:29 · Archive
Prince William says he is working to make women in the military feel safe, respected and valued, following the death of Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck in Wiltshire in 2021.
Prince William, a future head of the Armed Forces, has revealed he is working to improve inclusivity for women in the defence forces. He acknowledged current standards are not yet meeting the requirements for women to feel safe, respected and valued in the military.
His intervention follows the death of Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, who took her own life in Wiltshire in 2021. Gunner Beck, 19, had been subjected to months of unwanted attention at the Wiltshire camp and had reported a sexual assault. An inquest into her death concluded that the Army's failure to take appropriate action 'more than minimally' contributed to her death.
Prince William made his remarks in an article published on Wednesday, 11 November, which he personally commissioned as guest editor for a special edition of Country Life magazine. The article discusses the challenges facing women in the forces. William, who trained at Sandhurst and later served as an RAF search and rescue pilot, said: 'We need to ensure our military culture is more inclusive of women. I want to play my part in making the military feel like the welcoming, open and professional place I enjoyed and make it feel like that for everyone.'
He added: 'At the moment, I don't feel that we meet those standards and, as a former serving officer, I really mind it when those who wear the uniform now don't feel safe, respected or valued.'
The article described meetings the prince has conducted with servicewomen over the past year as part of his drive to understand the experiences of women in the armed forces.
How it is being reported
- Prince William told of 'inappropriate' incidents after Wiltshire woman's deathThe Prince of Wales says he is working to make sure women in the military feel safe, respected and valued following the death of a woman in Wiltshire.Swindon Advertiser · 10 Nov, 10:55
- Prince William told of 'inappropriate' incidents after Wiltshire woman's deathThe Prince of Wales says he is working to make sure women in the military feel safe, respected and valued following the death of a woman in Wiltshire.Wiltshire Times · 10 Nov, 10:55
- Prince William told of 'inappropriate' incidents after Wiltshire woman's deathThe Prince of Wales says he is working to make sure women in the military feel safe, respected and valued following the death of a woman in Wiltshire.Gazette & Herald · 10 Nov, 10:55
In this story: Prince William · Jaysley Beck · Wiltshire · Royal Artillery · Armed Forces · Country Life
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