The ongoing security arrangements for Prince Andrew have come under intense scrutiny as new details emerge about the substantial costs borne by taxpayers for his protection detail. Despite stepping back from royal duties in 2019 following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, the Duke of York continues to receive round-the-clock security that reportedly costs millions annually.
The Price of Protection
According to security experts, Prince Andrew's security detail includes armed Metropolitan Police officers who accompany him at his Royal Lodge residence in Windsor and during all his movements. This level of protection is estimated to cost between £2-3 million per year, funded entirely from the public purse through the Metropolitan Police budget.
A Royal Dilemma
The situation presents a complex challenge for Buckingham Palace and the Home Office. While there's no official threat assessment publicly available, security professionals argue that Andrew's high-profile status and ongoing legal connections make him a potential target. However, critics question why a non-working royal warrants such expensive protection when other members of the royal family have seen their security reduced.
Public Reaction and Political Pressure
The revelation has sparked significant public debate, with many questioning the fairness of taxpayers funding extensive security for a royal who no longer represents the Crown. Several MPs have called for transparency around the costs and decision-making process governing royal security arrangements.
Comparative Security Measures
Unlike working royals whose security is coordinated through the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC), Prince Andrew's protection falls under Metropolitan Police jurisdiction. This distinction highlights the unusual nature of his current status - neither a working royal nor a private citizen when it comes to security considerations.
The ongoing costs raise broader questions about how security decisions are made for members of the royal family and what criteria determine when such expensive protection should be scaled back or withdrawn entirely.
