New thread. Queen Camilla's question has been carried over from the old thread for you, Windsor :thumbsup:
Quote from: Queen Camilla on May 07, 2014, 03:40:39 AM
Hi Windsor,
Where does the Queen & Prince Phiip stay when they visit Wales?
Thanks
Ask Windsor
Is it fair to say?
Prince William's sons, and grandsons will be Princes.
Prince William daughters, Princesses but their sons NOT Princes??
Windsor: re: the cost of monarchy. Is there a definitive source which collates the total costs (domestically and internationally) for costs incurred by local authorities, the metropolitan police and international governments (re: clothing, security etc)? Thanks.
Quote from: Queen Camilla on May 07, 2014, 03:40:39 AM
Hi Windsor,
Where does the Queen & Prince Phiip stay when they visit Wales?
Thanks
Apologies for the delay, I have been unwell for quite some time and was unable to give this thread much attention. I am now back, and recovered to full health.
The Queen rarely has the need to stay over night in Wales - as her visits to the region are normally done within a a period of 12 hours. However, when required the Royal Couple make arrangements to stay privately at Gatcombe Park with Princess Anne - the Estate is close to the Welsh border and has easy access to most of southern Wales. Alternative accommodation is at times provided by private hotels as well, but that is very rarely the case.
Quote from: angieuk on May 10, 2014, 04:46:46 PM
Ask Windsor
Is it fair to say?
Prince William's sons, and grandsons will be Princes.
Prince William daughters, Princesses but their sons NOT Princes??
Yes, that would be correct. Just as we have today with the current Princess Royal and her children. Peter an Zara Phillips don't have Royal Titles because they are not entitled to them. This same rule would apply to the future children and grandchild of Prince William through the female line. Unless of course chages are made to how Royal titles can be created and passed down the generations.
Quote from: Orchid on May 16, 2014, 01:26:21 PM
Windsor: re: the cost of monarchy. Is there a definitive source which collates the total costs (domestically and internationally) for costs incurred by local authorities, the metropolitan police and international governments (re: clothing, security etc)? Thanks.
Yes, the Royal Accounts published by the Monarchy every year is the most accurate statement of the cost of the Monarchy to the public purse in the United Kingdom - this of course does not include the cost of Security as the Government does not release such figures, regardless of the person in receipt of the security detail. As for indirect costs to local councils and charities, those are not cataloged into one statement of accounts.
Quote from: Windsor on September 04, 2014, 09:20:23 AM
Quote from: Queen Camilla on May 07, 2014, 03:40:39 AM
Hi Windsor,
Where does the Queen & Prince Phiip stay when they visit Wales?
Thanks
Apologies for the delay, I have been unwell for quite some time and was unable to give this thread much attention. I am now back, and recovered to full health.
The Queen rarely has the need to stay over night in Wales - as her visits to the region are normally done within a a period of 12 hours. However, when required the Royal Couple make arrangements to stay privately at Gatcombe Park with Princess Anne - the Estate is close to the Welsh border and has easy access to most of southern Wales. Alternative accommodation is at times provided by private hotels as well, but that is very rarely the case.
Thanks Windsor, glad you are feeling better.
Thank you to Sophie Chloe who has inspired my first question here.
Who pays for William and Kate's household and office staff?
Quote from: TLLK on September 19, 2014, 08:47:48 PM
Thank you to Sophie Chloe who has inspired my first question here.
Who pays for William and Kate's household and office staff?
@TLLK The Prince of Wales is responsible for funding in its entirety the household of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. The funds cover the cost of performing official duties, staff salaries and the running of their offices. No salaries are paid to members of the Royal Family.
Thank you!!!!
Windsor-Just to clarify does the PoW and his family receive any allowance from the Sovereign's Grant? If yes, would you happen to know how much?
@TLLK The official activities of the Prince of Wales and his family are funded entirely by the Duchy of Cornwall - there are only three items of expenses covered by other methods. Travel to and from official engagements and structural repairs/maintenance of their official residences is covered by the Sovereign's Grant and Security is covered by the Home Office.
Where does the Duchy's surplus go?
Since 1337, the revenues from the Duchy have either passed to an eldest surviving son and heir or where there has not been one, the Sovereign. These revenues can be spent as the Heir or Sovereign see fit. However the current Prince of Wales chooses to use a substantial proportion of his income from the Duchy estate to meet the cost of his public and charitable work as well as the public and private lives of his family, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George and Prince Harry. (My bolding)
Details of how the income from the Duchy is spent are given in The Prince of Wales' Annual Review which can be seen here
Does The Prince receive civil list funding?
The Prince does not receive Sovereign Grant funding. The Prince chooses to spend the majority of the Duchy income on his work and charitable activities.
Frequently Asked Questions | The Duchy of Cornwall (http://duchyofcornwall.org/frequently-asked-questions.html#question_17)
Quote from: Windsor on September 23, 2014, 04:57:08 PM
@TLLK
The official activities of the Prince of Wales and his family are funded entirely by the Duchy of Cornwall - there are only three items of expenses covered by other methods. Travel to and from official engagements and structural repairs/maintenance of their official residences is covered by the Sovereign's Grant and Security is covered by the Home Office.
So, the TP are paying for them
going to and
from engagements? And the local council are responsible for *making good* the places they are visiting?
Their homes?.....
And Security? Why are we not privy to the costs, Windsor?
Quote from: Windsor on September 23, 2014, 04:57:08 PM
@TLLK
The official activities of the Prince of Wales and his family are funded entirely by the Duchy of Cornwall - there are only three items of expenses covered by other methods. Travel to and from official engagements and structural repairs/maintenance of their official residences is covered by the Sovereign's Grant and Security is covered by the Home Office.
Thank you Windsor. Now from what I recall of the expenses released by the Palace this past summer, Charles was obliged to personally pick up some of the transportation costs for the Cambridges and Prince Harry so they could make it to their engagements. Is this correct?
Not surprised to read that the Sovereign's Grant covers the cost of transportation for members of the BRF. Other royal families around the globe have similar arrangements for their transportation needs as they perform their duties.
^ What about security
@Windsor?
@TLLK Here's a good article about royal finance I found that you may also find interesting:
The Queen's finances explained: All you need to know before the Privy Purse is opened - Mirror Online (http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/queens-finances-explained-you-need-3753404)
:hug:
Thank you LA.
Security for the Royal Family is the responsibility of the Home Office. Any questions regarding costs should be directed to Theresa May. This is what the government had to say when passing the Sovereign Grant Act.
Why no breakdown of security costs provided given this represents a major cost for the taxpayer?
Disclosure of such information could compromise the integrity of these arrangements and affect the security of individuals protected. It is therefore long established policy not to comment upon the protective security arrangements and their related costs for members of the Royal Family or their residences.
[ARCHIVED CONTENT] Sovereign Grant Act: frequently asked questions relating to the Act and on general issues - HM Treasury (http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130129110402/http:/www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/leg_sovereign_grant_faq.htm#Security_costs)
Who is Theresa May?
^^ UK Home Secretary
Since the UK gov't has passed on FOIA re: security costs, I doubt my ringing up the UK home secretary will yield answers! :lol:
Quote from: SophieChloe on September 23, 2014, 08:30:46 PM
So, the TP are paying for them going to and from engagements?
@SophieChloe the taxpayer only fund transport when the use of non-conventional modes of transport are required, like for example use of the Royal Helicopter, or the Queen's Flight. Transportation by car is covered privately by the Prince of Wales.
QuoteAnd the local council are responsible for *making good* the places they are visiting?
That is up to the people receiving a Royal Visit whether they want to spruce up the place or not. :shrug:
QuoteTheir homes?.....
Their official residences are maintained by the Sovereign's Grant. Just like No. 10 Downing Street or Parliament are kept up by the taxpayer.
QuoteAnd Security? Why are we not privy to the costs, Windsor?
The Government does not release figures for the cost of Security - be that for the Royal Family, or members of the Government or anyone else being protected by the State.
Quote^ What about security @Windsor ?
@Lady Adams ^
Quote from: TLLK on September 23, 2014, 08:46:44 PM
Now from what I recall of the expenses released by the Palace this past summer, Charles was obliged to personally pick up some of the transportation costs for the Cambridges and Prince Harry so they could make it to their engagements. Is this correct?
@TLLK Yes, the cost for minor travel (The use of cars) carried out by the Royal Family is covered by the Royal Family privately.
Thank you Windsor. :thanks:
Thanks,
@Windsor. I'm of the opinion that the real cost of securing the royals is kept secret because the British public would be outraged at just how much they cost us.
Another question, please. The blood royal and spouse are out on an engagement. There is a real threat to life. Who would the RPO's save - the blood royal or the married in one?
Quote from: SophieChloe on September 24, 2014, 07:58:45 PM
Thanks, @Windsor. I'm of the opinion that the real cost of securing the royals is kept secret because the British public would be outraged at just how much they cost us.
I don't think that is the real issue behind the true cost being kept private. It makes sense for the details and true cost to remain private on security grounds, as this policy is kept right across government and not just when it concerns the Monarchy.
Quote
Another question, please. The blood royal and spouse are out on an engagement. There is a real threat to life. Who would the RPO's save - the blood royal or the married in one?
@SophieChloe A Prince of the Royal Blood will always be the main priority - engagements are planned way in advanced, and security measures are assessed accordingly. If there was a credible enough threat then extra security would be provided by the RPO's and behind the scenes by MI5 and the military.
Regarding security I agree that the information is kept secret as to share the cost for equipment and the number of personnel deployed for protection purposes would provide any would-be assailants too much information.
@Windsor - Thanks :hug:
However, I have no problem with securing members of Government - they have been elected and we can boot them out (what's it now 7 months?)
I do, however have a problem with securing unelected people who, IMO are taking the mickey-do-dah. Take Kate for example, decamping to Middleton Manor at the cost of gawd knows how much to us. Do you find that extra cost acceptable? I don't. And this w/e William and Harry apparently had 9 TP funded bodyguards with them to attend a wedding - Really?!?
Quote from: Windsor on September 29, 2014, 11:12:16 AM
A Prince of the Royal Blood will always be the main priority - engagements are planned way in advanced, and security measures are assessed accordingly. If there was a credible enough threat then extra security would be provided by the RPO's and behind the scenes by MI5 and the military.
Once again, Thanks
@Windsor - I was afraid my question sounded like I was a deranged fruitloop. Do MI5 and military not have more important worries than protecting members of an unelected family? I would hope so.
Piggy backing off this question: What would the government do if a royal had been kidnapped by a terrorist group who demanded that the government meet their demands for (prisoner release, withdrawal from an area of conflict etc..)?
Good question. Would they pay a ransom? They refuse to for other UK citizens.
I would think that the same would have to apply to the BRF, though IMO it would be easier for the public to accept if it's an adult who has been kidnapped rather than a child ie: James Wessex.
Goodness, such an awful thought.
However, I believe the Government would cough up if it was H&W's heads being threatened to be hacked off.
I'd be very interested to hear your thoughts, Windsor
Quote from: SophieChloe on September 29, 2014, 07:38:21 PM
@WindsorI do, however have a problem with securing unelected people who, IMO are taking the mickey-do-dah. Take Kate for example, decamping to Middleton Manor at the cost of gawd knows how much to us. Do you find that extra cost acceptable? I don't. And this w/e William and Harry apparently had 9 TP funded bodyguards with them to attend a wedding - Really?!
@SophieChloe You have a good point, however the Royal Family don't have much say over the issue, security will be provided for as long as they remain a public interest and their every move comes with real and credible threats to their safety. Even if we were to abolish the Monarchy, and they were to play to part in society security would still be provided. Look at Germany, they don't have a Monarchy but their former Royal Families still get provided with security when credible threats are discovered.
It is the duty of the State to protect its citizens, and that includes the Royal Family.
QuoteDo you find that extra cost acceptable? I don't. And this w/e William and Harry apparently had 9 TP funded bodyguards with them to attend a wedding - Really?!?
The threat does not stop (or becomes a lesser threat) when members of the Royal Family take their 'Crowns' off to attend private events, or when off duty. Security is a 24 hour business. Look at the incident where the Queen was woken up by a complete stranger sitting on her bed at Buckingham Palace.
QuoteDo MI5 and military not have more important worries than protecting members of an unelected family? I would hope so.
These agencies have different teams working towards different goals, but the overall aim is to provide intelligence and protection for the United Kingdom and all its people.
Quote from: TLLK on September 30, 2014, 02:46:38 PM
Piggy backing off this question: What would the government do if a royal had been kidnapped by a terrorist group who demanded that the government meet their demands for (prisoner release, withdrawal from an area of conflict etc..)?
@TLLK My expectation would be for the Government to keep to their existing and age old policy of not negotiating with terrorist. All of this while deploying the SAS to locate and secure the release of the prisoner. This would entail the security services working closely with the intelligence agencies (MI5/6) - we can see this happening right now, the security forces are working to locate the British hostage currently being held by IS in Syria, this person is neither of high rank or station and yet a vast amount of resources are being used to find and release him.
Worst case scenario, there's 60+ People in the line of succession.
Hence the need for an heir and a spare. :windsor1:
Thank you Windsor. I see a similar scenario for the current and former POTUS and FLOTUS. It could even extend to their children if they thought it was necessary. Even though Chelsea Clinton has not qualified for Secret Service protection since her father's term ended, with her new baby there could be threats that the Secret Service keeps an eye on and informs the couple.
@Windsor Thanks for taking the time to respond to my questions :hug: Much appreciated.
However, what's your thoughts on this :
Quote from: SophieChloe on September 30, 2014, 02:58:28 PM
Good question. Would they pay a ransom? They refuse to for other UK citizens.
Quote from: SophieChloe on September 30, 2014, 08:14:37 PM
Goodness, such an awful thought.
However, I believe the Government would cough up if it was H&W's heads being threatened to be hacked off.
I'd be very interested to hear your thoughts, Windsor
QuoteWould they pay a ransom? They refuse to for other UK citizens.
@SophieChloe No they would not. My expectation would be for the Government to keep to their existing age old policy and not negotiate with terrorist. In my previous post I elaborated further what the government actually does when it comes to such situations. The same would apply regardless of who it is that has been taken hostage. :hug:
@Windsor Interesting! Thank You :love6:
Dear Windsor,
Recently the Telegraph and Daily Mail have published a story regarding a young family and their encounter with the Cambridges' Royal Protection Officers near the Middleton's home. Apparently the family had some car trouble just outside of the property and were approached by the armed RPOs. The father stated that their handguns were drawn as they approached the vehicle. The family were unaware that this was the Middleton's home and that the Cambridges (some or all) were on the property at the time. The RPOs explained who they were and why they were present. After determining that the family were indeed in a jam they reportedly tried to offer service to the family but were unable to find the right car part they needed. The family called for roadside assistance and then set off. The next day the family spotted Kate, Carole and George at a local farm/petting zoo attraction.
My question is was this the appropriate action for the RPOs to take when approaching the family? It has created some discussion in the Cambridge thread and I wanted to get your opinion. Thank you
Quote from: TLLK on October 29, 2014, 05:57:41 PMMy question is was this the appropriate action for the RPOs to take when approaching the family? It has created some discussion in the Cambridge thread and I wanted to get your opinion. Thank you
The RPOs are free to use their own judgment and initiative when it comes to protecting the Royal Family - obviously, there is a set of guidelines, protocols and standards that they must adhere to, but at the end of the day it all comes down to developments on the ground, and if a threat is identified, they must act upon it.
Thank you for your reply Windsor. As expected the RPOs function much like the American Secret Service agents and must assess what is happening at the time to decide how/when to act.
Double post auto-merged: November 10, 2014, 05:46:39 PM
Windsor this was question was posted in another section, but I thought it deserved to be shared here in the "Ask Windsor" forum.
"If the crown estates belong to the royals as some falsely believe shouldn't the country's debt belong to the royals?"
What would be your take on this? :)
Is this true
@Windsor?
If so, why?
Quote
Richard Palmer @RoyalReporter ยท 13 hrs 13 hours ago
British MPs are banned from criticising or debating individual royals in Parliament.
This is from 2011, Andrew, again!
MP to defy 800-year-old rule to attack Prince Andrew in House of Commons | Daily Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1384755/MP-defy-800-year-old-rule-attack-Prince-Andrew-House-Commons.html)
A question for Windsor. When a royal does a visit to an event: patronage Who picks up the cost for drinks/food/security at the meeting?
Hiya Windsor! Can we start a Royal Predictions thread on this forum?