King Charles has praised cadet forces across the country to mark the first-ever National Cadets Week, issuing an empowering statement – just hours after his disgraced brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s legal action against Thames Valley Police was made public.
The monarch, who is head of the armed forces, said the chance to develop "resilience, responsibility and a sense of purpose" in a "rapidly changing world" has never been more important for today's youth.
© Getty ImagesThe Cadet Forces, involving more than 137,000 young people, are one of the largest youth movements in the UK.
The voluntary youth organisations are sponsored by the Ministry of Defence and offer military-themed, adventurous, and community activities for young people aged 12 to 18.
King Charles' statement in full
King Charles paid tribute to the five military Cadet Forces, as well as the National Fire Cadets, Volunteer Police Cadets and St John Ambulance Cadets in his statement.
The King said: "I am particularly delighted to send my warmest congratulations and best wishes to all cadets, adult volunteers, families and supporters of cadet services across the United Kingdom during this inaugural National Cadets Week.
© Royal Family"For many years I have recognized the benefit of uniformed youth groups in instilling a sense of self-discipline and self confidence in the younger generation that can only come from challenging team activity inherent within such organizations."
Charles, who founded Youth United in 2009 to create a network of the nation’s leading uniformed youth organisations, said being a cadet was a way of helping young people discover their strengths and broaden their horizons.
"At a time when young people are growing up in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world, opportunities to develop resilience, responsibility and a sense of purpose have never been more important," he detailed.
© Getty Images"The Cadet Forces provide exactly that. Through adventure, teamwork, leadership, service and personal challenge, they help young people realize their potential, whilst fostering the qualities that strengthen both individuals and society as a whole.
"To every cadet, volunteer, family member, employer and supporter, I can only thank you for your example of duty and service."
The monarch's message coincided with the official opening of a new Joint Cadet Centre in Hastings, East Sussex, attended by veterans and people minister Calvin Bailey.
Update about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
The monarch's message comes just hours after it was revealed that his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is taking legal action against Thames Valley Police in a bid to quash search warrants which led to his arrest earlier this year.
© Samir Hussein/WireImageA private High Court hearing will take place on Thursday, a judicial spokesperson has confirmed. It is not known whether Andrew will attend.
The former Duke of York was arrested on February 19, 2026, on his 66th birthday, by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office during his time as the UK's trade envoy.
A judge at the Old Bailey issued warrants which allowed police to raid Andrew's abode on the Sandringham Estate as well as his former home, Royal Lodge.
Andrew was interviewed under caution before being released under investigation following allegations that he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein during his time in office.
© Getty ImagesMeanwhile, Andrew has been warned not to use King Charles' private money to fund his legal action.
Andrew receives an undisclosed annual allowance from Charles' private funds, but a Palace source said it has been made clear that this should not be used to fund the judicial review.
The source clarified that Buckingham Palace has no role in determining Andrew's legal defence strategy or actions.
