Princess Eugenie's wedding to Jack Brooksbank on 12 October is expected to cost taxpayers up to £2 million for security, according to estimates. The bill for policing the event will be borne by Thames Valley Police and, ultimately, the taxpayer.
Security inside Windsor Castle will be handled by diplomatic protection officers from the Metropolitan Police, while Thames Valley Police will manage security in the town. Measures include anti-vehicle barriers, sniffer dogs, and a higher presence of armed and unarmed officers.
The cost is likely to be lower than Prince Harry's wedding in May, which cost between £2 million and £4 million for policing. However, Thames Valley Police have not yet provided an official estimate, saying it is too early to confirm figures.
After the wedding, the force can apply to the Home Office for a special grant to recoup costs. The local council, Windsor and Maidenhead, spent £1.2 million on Prince Harry's wedding, but most was reimbursed by central government. The council expects similar reimbursement for Eugenie's wedding.
Critics, including the campaign group Republic, argue that as a non-working royal, Princess Eugenie should pay for security herself. Republic's vice-chairwoman Dani Beckett said: 'No-one has forced her to have a public wedding.'
