Strong, Skilled & Still Smashing It: Modern British Women Who Served

Serving in the British Armed Forces takes grit, resilience, and a powerful sense of purpose – and for some remarkable women, those values didn’t stop when they left the military. 

Here’s a round-up of modern British women who started in service and went on to forge new paths – showing that the strength you build in uniform stays with you for life. 

👑 The Princess Royal – HRH Princess Anne 

Not just a working royal and Olympian – Princess Anne holds honorary military ranks across the Armed Forces and has long been a champion for military charities and veterans. She served in a ceremonial and ambassadorial capacity but takes her military roles extremely seriously, regularly donning uniform at formal events and Remembrance services. Duty runs deep in her blood. 

🥇 Dame Kelly Holmes – From Army Sergeant to Olympic Legend 

Before she became a household name, Dame Kelly Holmes spent 10 years in the British Army, where she rose to the rank of sergeant in the Adjutant General’s Corps. While serving, she kept up her running behind the scenes – until she decided to go full-time into athletics. In 2004, she stunned the world by winning double Olympic gold in Athens in the 800m and 1500m. 

Kelly has always said her military discipline helped shape her mindset – and today, she’s an advocate for mental health and a powerful voice for veterans. 

🎖️ Captain Elizabeth Godwin – First Female Officer in The Life Guards 

Captain Godwin made history in 2020 as the first woman to be commissioned into The Life Guards, the most senior regiment of the British Army's Household Cavalry. A Sandhurst graduate and recipient of the Sword of Honour, she’s since taken part in some of the country’s most high-profile ceremonial duties – including Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral and the Coronation of King Charles III. 

Her career proves that women are not just participating in military tradition – they’re reshaping it. 

📺 Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson – RAF Roots 

Before becoming a Paralympic legend and member of the House of Lords, Tanni Grey-Thompson’s early life was shaped by her father's RAF career. Growing up on bases across the UK, she credits military discipline and resilience as huge influences in her sporting success. 

🎭 Pam St Clement – From WRAF to Albert Square 

Best known as Pat Butcher in EastEnders, Pam St Clement served in the Women’s Royal Air Force (WRAF) before becoming one of the most recognisable characters on British TV. It’s hard to picture Pat polishing boots, but her sharp tongue and unshakable loyalty probably made her a great recruit! 

🧵 Betty Boothroyd – From Servicewoman to Speaker of the House 

Baroness Betty Boothroyd, the first woman to be elected Speaker of the House of Commons, served in the Women's Royal Air Force (WRAF) as a young woman. She carried that same sense of service and no-nonsense authority into Parliament, where she famously told MPs to behave with “dignity and restraint.” And they actually listened. 

🎤 Louise Minchin – Army-Ready Adventurer & Broadcaster 

You might know her from BBC Breakfast, but Louise Minchin also took on the military’s toughest endurance test as part of BBC’s Famous and Fighting Crime. So inspired was she by the experience, she later completed the UK Special Forces 'Fan Dance' challenge, and has trained with Royal Army Physical Training Instructors.   

Kirsty Bushell – Actress and Army Reservist 

British stage and screen actress Kirsty Bushell, known for roles in Silent Witness and Doctor Who, also served as an Army Reservist. She’s spoken about how her military experience helped shape her discipline, mental focus, and confidence – all of which she now brings to her acting roles. 

Service Never Leaves You – And That’s a Good Thing 

Whether in sport, broadcasting, intelligence, or the highest levels of ceremonial leadership, these women show how military life builds confidence, character, and capabilities that transfer into all areas of life. 

At Justice4Heroes, we’re proud to support veterans of all backgrounds – including the thousands of women who’ve served with strength and skill, even if their stories are less often told. 

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🌍 Visit: justice4heroes.org