The Eye-Watering Amount Of Money British Taxpayers Fork Out For Prince Andrew's Security
The Duke of York endured a startling fall from grace after Virginia Giuffre, who was notably also one of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein's accusers, sued him for sexually abusing her as a teenager. Making matters worse, it recently transpired Ghislaine Maxwell and Prince Andrew's relationship was much closer than anyone realized. A source even suggested the two were romantically involved at one stage, per Insider. Buckingham Palace security were reportedly very familiar with Maxwell's regular visits.
Suffice to say, it's unlikely Andrew is going to be welcomed back to public life with open arms any time soon, much to his clear irritation. An insider told the Evening Standard that the prince intended to take part in the Order of the Garter ceremony back in June, but Prince William put his foot down, issuing an ultimatum to Queen Elizabeth. "The Duke of Cambridge was adamant. If York insisted on taking part publicly, he would withdraw," they revealed. The Sun notes Andrew is actively plotting his return.
In fact, he was "confused" about being cut out of the Order of the Garter, according to royal expert Omid Scobie. But there was major concern over a public "backlash" if Andrew was included. And now, Britons have even more reason to complain about the duke's ongoing connection to the royal family.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
The Duke of York is still receiving round the clock protection
Hardworking Brits will understandably be shocked to learn their taxes are still funding round-the-clock security protection for disgraced royal Prince Andrew. Express confirms the Duke of York is still being fully covered by three officers from Scotland Yard, whose bill runs to around £100,000 annually, covering their wages and various perks, alongside flights and accommodation as applicable. The exact cost could be much higher, however, since neither Buckingham Palace nor the police have ever publicly discussed the numbers. It was previously rumored to be as high as £2 million, though.
As "Finding Freedom" author Scobie pointed out on Twitter, regardless of how high the actual figure is, it's galling to learn that Andrew is still being protected when he was publicly stripped of all royal titles and military patronages following his sex abuse lawsuit, which was notably settled out of court. Scobie also made the case, in a piece for Yahoo! News UK, that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are more entitled to security protection than the beleaguered prince, because their only crime was leaving the royal family.
Sadly, Harry's legal battle over protection shows no signs of slowing down. Meanwhile, the costs for Andrew's security are just the latest in a lengthy list of publicly-funded royal excursions. A new report on the royal family has UK taxpayers furious, based on how much was spent funding their lavish lifestyle.
Meghan and Harry continue fighting for their right to security
Prince Harry made major strides in his ongoing lawsuit against the British government when the Duke of Sussex was given the legal right to challenge the removal of his security detail. Per People, Judge Jonathan Swift has granted him "permission to apply for judicial review" about the highly controversial 2020 decision, by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC). The group ruled that Harry should be stripped of his police protection while visiting the UK, because he's no longer a working royal. As a result, the case will now proceed to a full hearing, at London's High Court.
It's likely provided some small relief to Harry and wife Meghan Markle, considering The Sun reports their California mansion was broken into twice in the course of just 12 days. Worse, the couple and their two young children were apparently at home when the security breaches happened. One of the incidents occurred on their wedding anniversary while, funnily enough, the other was right before the Sussexes were due to travel to Britain for the queen's Platinum Jubilee. Local police rushed to the scene on both occasions.
As Omid Scobie argued, in his piece for Yahoo! News UK, "For members of the monarchy, including those who have chosen to step away like Prince Harry, [a] high level of security is essential. Alongside the Prime Minister, royal family members are some of the most targeted individuals in the country."