The Home Office is reportedly recommending a significant reduction in security for the Duke of York following his withdrawal from public duties amid the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. According to claims, the final decision rests with Home Secretary Priti Patel and Prime Minister Boris Johnson after a review by the Metropolitan Police.
The potential downgrade could see Prince Andrew stripped of his round-the-clock armed police protection. This comes as Buckingham Palace engages in high-level discussions about security arrangements for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in their future roles in the UK and Canada.
The Evening Standard reported that the Met has completed a thorough review, with a source stating: “Conclusions have been reached and recommendations made.” The Home Office and Metropolitan Police Service declined to comment, and Buckingham Palace maintains its policy of not commenting on security measures.
Prince Andrew stepped down from royal engagements in November 2019 following a disastrous BBC Newsnight interview about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A source told the Evening Standard: “A review was ordered into the Met’s protection of HRH The Duke of York once it was announced he was stepping down from royal duties... Those in charge of royal security cannot write a blank cheque for anyone who does not have a public role for the foreseeable future.”
The source added that round-the-clock armed protection is very expensive and the Met must ensure it is justified. If the downgrade proceeds, Prince Andrew may have no bodyguards or would have to pay for them himself. As a former serving member of the armed forces and a member of the royal family, he could still be considered a target for terrorist groups. The cost of protecting the royal family is never publicly disclosed.
