Royal Family news reveals that Prince Andrew, who, until now, has enjoyed taxpayer-funded Royal protection, is being downgraded again – now he can only use private bodyguards which, some believe, King Charles III will foot the bill for. Read on and we’ll give you the low down.
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Royal Family News – Prince Andrew Is Further Downgraded
Royal Family news reveals that, according to The Sun, the beleaguered prince is being downgraded yet again and losing his right to protection under the Crown. Those he’ll be accompanied by going forward will be armed only with tasers.
This comes after The Express reported last month that the 62-year-old Duke of York had written to the Home Office ministers complaining about losing his taxpayer-funded armed security. He reportedly demanded that the government continue to foot the bill, estimated to be near $3.5 million-a-year charge, despite the glaring fact that the prince no longer has a role as a senior member of the Royal Family.
It’s been almost a year since a disgraced Prince Andrew was stripped of all his royal roles and military titles by the Queen in the wake of allegations of sexual abuse by Virginia Guiffre and the subsequent settlement paid out by the duke despite claims of innocence.
Still Unknown Who’ll Foot Prince Andrew’s Security Bill
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Buckingham Palace hasn’t confirmed or denied whether the King intends on funding his brother’s private security team, which will likely be comprised of ex-Met cops costing upwards of $29 million a year, from his Duchy of Lancaster income.
They have also refused to comment on the duke’s security matters in spite of fresh calls to be more open on how Royal Family protection is paid for by taxpayers.
Prince Andrew isn’t hurting for cash since finally selling his $23 million Swiss chalet after two long years of negotiations. However, sources are not saying whether he has reached into his own pockets.
The disgraced prince’s deal comes as Prince Harry is litigating against the Home Office claiming it was “unfair” and “illegal” to remove his armed guards when he and Markle stepped down as working royals and relocated to the US.
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Former Home Office Minister Speaks
Former Home Office minister and Privy Council member, Norman Baker said, “Armed protection has always been a status symbol for the likes of Prince Andrew. Of course, he should pay it himself and not burden the taxpayer because he is a private individual and carries out no public duties.
“People like David Beckham pay for their own security so why shouldn’t Prince Andrew? But there needs to be more accountability on who and how security is being paid overall.
“We should know who is paying and how much. I would bet that the taxpayer will end up paying for this indirectly anyway. I would imagine the King could put it through the Duchy of Lancaster then be able to say it is expenses incurred as part of his duties and off-set it against tax. We shouldn’t pay for Andrew’s or Harry’s security or any member of the Royal Family that carries out no public duties.”
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