Scotland Yard chief's fury over security bill for Princess Eugenie and 'B-list'

[nova]

The DM

Scotland Yard chief Sir Paul Stephenson is looking at how best to use resources at his cash strapped force.
One area of concern in his budget is the cost of providing armed, round-the-clock protection to guard the 19-year-old princess - a renowned party animal - during her hectic first year at Newcastle University.
Insiders conservatively estimate it is £250,000 a year - including the salaries, accommodation, living and travel expenses of two full-time police bodyguards.

The Met chief believes there is a £20m annual shortfall in the amount central government is paying his force to look after Eugenie — who is sixth in line to the throne — and 21 other members of the royal family who receive protection.
It is estimated that the royal protection budget, which supports nearly 500 officers, is about £50m a year. Sir Paul has told the home secretary, Alan Johnson, that his department should fund the full amount rather than just £30m as it does now.

The Times - Scotland Yard alarm at cost of guards for Eugenie

Extra resources have recently been assigned to the Queen and the Prince of Wales because of the raised terror threat. But some officers are asking privately why so-called "non-working royals" such as Eugenie and Beatrice need any protection at all. They point out that their cousins Zara and Peter Phillips, Princess Anne's children, are able to live safely without any bodyguards.

Another perceived anomaly is the case of Princess Alexandra, 73, the Queen's cousin and the youngest granddaughter of King George V and Queen Mary.

She carries out 120 royal engagements a year and lives in a large house in Richmond Park, southwest London, which is afforded 24-hour protection. Senior officers question whether she would be a terrorist target. However, it is understood the Queen has insisted Alexandra is fully protected.

[Ursula]

I thought Princess Alexandra lived in KP.  That would be more cost effective where security is concerned, no? 

[drezzle]

Senior officers question whether she would be a terrorist target. However, it is understood the Queen has insisted Alexandra is fully protected.

..........or maybe that's PP that insists?   I doubt Scotland Yard has been complaining to the newspapers about this, at least on record.  They are taught to go thru proper channels.  The whole family is rather high profile and should have protection and that includes Zara.  Anyway the whole royal protection attitude is so sexist.   Just because Zara's mother is the daughter of the queen and not a son, then Zara doesn't require protection?  That is totally ridiculous.  

Or is the protection only for those who are styled HRH?   Would that mean little Lady Louise would have no protection when she gets older and more independent?

[Ursula]

drezzle, I do believe it has to do with the titles, yes.   

[mousie_kins]

Princess Beatrice and Eugenie have protection because they are Princess'. Zara and Peter haven't got protection because they do not have any titles. Princess Anne rejected HM offer of a title.

This is also why Zara and Peter have been able to have careers outside of the Royal family and why they are not expected to do Royal duties. Bea and Eugenie on the other hand will be expected to do duties because they have titles.

[brittanylala]

Personally, the only families we should be funding is the Wales', and once William is married with children, Harry should be cut off and only William's family should be funded. However, I seem to recall Charles mentioning something to this effect? He'll be culling the royal family in half once he is upon the throne to save money or something. Quite right too, the Yorks offer no purpose other than to infuriate the lower-classes.

[Jenee]

Telegraph

It costs the Met police approximately £50 million a year to cover the protection of 22 members of the Royal family.  Sir Paul believes there is a £20 million annual shortfall in the amount central government is paying the force to carry out the duties.

[Mar]

Personally, the only families we should be funding is the Wales', and once William is married with children, Harry should be cut off and only William's family should be funded. However, I seem to recall Charles mentioning something to this effect? He'll be culling the royal family in half once he is upon the throne to save money or something. Quite right too, the Yorks offer no purpose other than to infuriate the lower-classes.

oh that wasnt mean at all...

[mousie_kins]

Personally, the only families we should be funding is the Wales', and once William is married with children, Harry should be cut off and only William's family should be funded. However, I seem to recall Charles mentioning something to this effect? He'll be culling the royal family in half once he is upon the throne to save money or something. Quite right too, the Yorks offer no purpose other than to infuriate the lower-classes.

:blink:

Writing off the York sisters before they have even finished their education. Were you this hard on William when he was at SA?  ;)

[Jenee]

^Mousie_kins makes a point. Although I think that Princess Anne had it right when she refused titling her children. The royal family is quite large, and most of them don't contribute as much as they should, considering all the 'perks' they receive.

Herald Scotland: Tom Shields on... the royal protection racket

The princess is a “party animal”. In New­castle, a friendly sort of place, damage to a fun-loving 19-year-old is likely to be self- inflicted. Catching a cold due to lack of warm clothing. Cholesterol overload from eating too many chips. A tryst up a lane with a lad who turns out to be a vampire.

A bit of danger goes with the royal territory.

:thumbsup: Interesting theories xD

[mousie_kins]

The princess is a "party animal"

Yet no party pics. Must be in private  :jester:

[Jenee]

Eh, I think she's no more, or no less a party animal then any other student in her position.

Telegraph

Scotland Yard has been forced to spend £4million - which could fund 130 extra frontline officers - on protecting VIPs including minor members of the Royal family, it emerged.

So it isn't just the royals that they are complaining about - they wrap "VIP's" up into this group of "B-Listers" though I wonder who those VIPs are, exactly??

[daibando]

Count all of the cabinet for starters.