The Duke of York finds himself at the centre of another royal controversy, with sources revealing he believes British taxpayers should continue footing the bill for his extensive security detail despite his withdrawal from public duties.
The £3 Million Question
Insiders close to the matter disclose that Prince Andrew's security arrangements cost approximately £3 million annually, a substantial sum that continues to be covered by public funds. This comes despite the royal stepping down from all official responsibilities in 2019 following the disastrous Newsnight interview about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
A Palace Divided
According to royal correspondents, there appears to be a significant disconnect between the Duke's expectations and public sentiment. "He genuinely believes he's entitled to this level of protection," revealed a palace source. "There's a sense of disbelief among senior royals about his inability to grasp why this is so problematic."
Mounting Public Anger
The revelation has sparked fury among taxpayers and royal commentators alike:
- Public funds continue covering security despite his private citizen status
- The Duke maintains use of Royal Lodge, his 30-room Windsor residence
- No official royal duties performed since 2019
- Ongoing connection to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal
Constitutional Concerns
Constitutional experts have weighed in on the unusual situation. "This creates a dangerous precedent," noted one royal historian. "When a royal steps back from duties, there should be a clear understanding about what public support they're entitled to receive. The current ambiguity serves nobody's interests."
What Comes Next?
With King Charles reportedly keen to streamline the monarchy and reduce costs, the pressure is mounting for a resolution. The Duke's continued reliance on taxpayer-funded security while living as a private citizen represents one of the most contentious issues facing the modern monarchy.
As public scrutiny intensifies, the Palace faces difficult decisions about how to handle a senior royal who no longer performs public duties but expects to maintain the privileges of his position.
