Huge row over Beatrice and Eugenie's security caused massive drama for Charles
Prince Harry put the spotlight on the issue of royal protection when he decided to take legal action against the Home Office over a change to the level of his security when he visits the UK.
As it stands, high-ranking senior royals, such as King Charles and Queen Camilla, and Prince William and Princess Kate, are guarded by police protection officers around the clock. The likes of Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex, meanwhile, are only guarded by police protection officers while carrying out official duties and engagements.
But there are two members of the family who, just like Harry, have had their 24-hour taxpayer-funded police protection axed - Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
The decision to withdraw their security came after a row about funding in 2011, said to have left their father especially angry. In fact, one royal expert said then - was forced to intervene in the debate about funding for Beatrice and Eugenie's security after it caused a row behind palace walls.
It is thought Charles stepped in after the younger of his nieces, Euegnie, racked up huge security costs when she travelled the world on her gap year. A report published at the time suggested Eugenie spent more than £100,000 of taxpayers' money as she explored India, America, Thailand and South Africa.
Kate Middleton swears by £19.99 rosehip oil that helps 'reduce wrinkles & scars'
She paid for hotels and travel herself, but the massive security bill, including overtime money, was funded by the taxpayer.
Speaking on Channel 5 documentary Beatrice and Eugenie: Pampered Princesses?, royal expert Richard Kay said: "She was sort of flitting from country to country as most middle-class young people do who take gap years. But, of course, she was accompanied by police bodyguards. That meant that we the taxpayers were paying for policemen to accompany her to the fleshpots of the world."
Charles reportedly stepped in to control the spending, with royal author Angela Levin telling the programme he suggested Eugenie and Beatrice didn't need costly security as it's unlikely they will ever become working royals.
Prince Andrew was reportedly furious about his brother King Charles' decision (Getty Images)
Princess Eugenie and Prince Harry (Andy Rain/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)But Charles's suggestion didn't go down well and is said to have left Prince Andrew furious.
Ms Levin added: "Prince Charles decided that as they were not likely to be very senior royals, that this was too much for the public to pay, so he stopped that. Prince Andrew was so angry that he wrote a note to the Queen.
"He said he wanted them to be considered as proper royals. He did not want the protection officers to leave them."
It is now understood that both princesses, who are not working royals, have any security they need paid for privately.
and their two children to the UK due to a lack of security.
They now live in America, where they are not entitled to taxpayer-funded security.
Kate rules out receiving romantic gift from Prince William on Valentine's Day
for him and his family when in the UK and has even offered to pay for it.
Medik8’s ‘anti-ageing’ hyaluronic acid which gives 'a burst of hydration' is on sale
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
