Queen’s female soldiers may wear skirts but will still be ‘guardsmen’
FEMALE soldiers assigned to protect the Queen could be allowed to wear skirts as part of their uniform but may still be referred to as “guardsmen”.
As the Army welcomes its first female recruits into the infantry later this year it could mean women donning skirts or kilts as they take part in Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
As part of changes being considered to accommodate women, it is understood that any alterations would seek to be consistent with the traditional dress of a unit and its customs.
In addition, the collective names soldiers are referred to could also be changed under a Ministry of Defence review.
In the case of the Guards’ regiments – including the Coldstream Guards and the Grenadiers – the name “guardsmen” is also under review, although the MOD said it had put forward guardswomen as an alternative. It is understood it would rather stick with a single collective name.
Elsewhere, the term “infantrymen” for privates, is likely to be replaced by “infanteer” to acknowledge and accommodate the mixed gender of the personnel.
‘As with all personnel, [women] will take on the customs, dress and titles unique to their regiment’
But the craftsman and tradesman ranks, which are still listed in the Army regulations and are popular in the Royal Engineers, are unlikely to be changed.
An Army spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph: “The Army looks forward to welcoming the first female recruits into the infantry later this year.
“As with all personnel, they will take on the customs, dress and titles unique to their regiment.”
An Army source added: “No final decision has been taken over dress, but it will always be appropriate for purpose, recognising the traditions of each regiment, their modern-day roles and the gender of the individual.”
The Army currently allows some female soldiers to parade wearing skirts, kilts, trousers or various forms of ceremonial dress such as in the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery or the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. Basic training for new female recruits is to take place from April.
Gavin Williamson, the Defence Secretary, praised the acceptance of women into the infantry last year as a “defining moment in the history of the Armed Forces”.
The Royal Armoured Corps was the first ground close-combat branch to open its doors to female soldiers and officers, in November 2016, followed by the RAF Regiment in September 2017.