Royal Security

[jcbcode99]

I agree that there should be a measure of security, but I also firmly feel that they need to do something productive besides partying, traveling abroad, and having their cars stolen right out from under them.

[Filippos]

I think the "minor royals" need protection. No matter how they are acting, party animals or working princes or princesses. The fact is, they are close relatives to the Chief of State, and its succesor(s). So, any threat to their integrity can put these persons in a weak position. Not a desirable scene for national symbols...

[jcbcode99]

But, as national symbols do they not have some form of obligation? They do need protection, that is undisputed, but how much protection is the question.

[Duke of Marmalade]

Originally Posted by jcbcode99

But, as national symbols do they not have some form of obligation? They do need protection, that is undisputed, but how much protection is the question.

and, of course, who ends up with the bill.

[jcbcode99]

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

and, of course, who ends up with the bill.

Exactly.

The Associated Press just ran a story on Britain's debt outlook and how it has been downraded from stable to negative. Now, I agree, the Princesses security detail has not plunged the country into their recession, but the public is going to begin looking at expendable expenditures and I would assume that the security detail for partying princesses is going to be one of the first Royal expenditures is closely looked at. I agree, they need security, but until they are higher profile royals, they do not need what they are currently getting. Unless Mummy and Daddy want to foot the bill.

[wbenson]

BBC NEWS | UK | Reporters 'paid way into Palace'

Buckingham Palace has said it is investigating allegations undercover reporters were given access to highly sensitive areas of the Palace.

Two reporters from the News of the World newspaper are said to have been waved inside, without security checks.

[wbenson]

BBC NEWS | UK | Palace suspends 'tour' chauffeur

Buckingham Palace has suspended a chauffeur after undercover reporters claimed to have gained access to highly sensitive areas of the building.

[Zonk]

This is really serious and quite sad.

If there is a lack of security regardign the Queen and Buckingham Palace, can you imagine what could possibly happen if security is reduced for the royals as a whole?

Again, its Buckingham Palace and these reporters just walked in. No check of the bags, ID's, etc. NOTHING!

[Skydragon]

Royal chauffeur Brian Sirjusingh has been suspended after he allegedly allowed undercover reporters posing as Middle Eastern businessmen into the grounds of Buckingham Palace.

Queen concerned after Palace chauffeur triggers alleged security breach - Telegraph

[Alberto2244]

CALLS for round-the-clock police protection for the Duke of York’s two daughters to be reduced amid growing concern about the escalating costs of royal security have met with support from a surprising quarter… the girls themselves.

Daily Express | Columnists :: Cops aren’t cool for young Royals

[Elspeth]

Timeline of royal security breaches:

BBC NEWS | UK | Timeline: Royal security breaches

[Al_bina]

It appears to me that royal security breaches are a favourite pastime of the British mass media outlets and private citizens. I find British perseverance to breach the royal security again and again peculiar. We do not hear about security breaches in other European royal houses often. One can do it once or twice, but more than a dozen incidents may bespeak incompetence on the part of the people in charge of the Royal security.

[Emeralds and Opals]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6395951.ece
"Royals get 150 extra guards to end overstretch."

[Skydragon]

The Scotland Yard unit that protects the Queen and other members of the Royal family is to be bolstered by up to 150 armed protection officers to ease long hours of work and cut excessive overtime payments

Royal protection unit boosted by 150 extra armed protection officers - Telegraph

[PrincessofEurope]

Head of Scotland Yard begs Home Secretary to boost VIP protection fund | Mail Online

[Skydragon]

It is a role that demands a highly specialist set of skills.
Police officers applying to join the elite royal protection squad must be highly trained in personal protection, willing to travel, work 12-hour shifts and be constantly on the alert for any hint of danger to the Queen and her heirs to the throne.

Read more: Scotland Yard advertises for 'gay, lesbian or transgender' armed officers to guard the Queen | Mail Online

[muriel]

Just wanted to get people's views on whether some of the more "minor" HRHs (eg Princess Alexandra, the Kents, Gloucesters etc) should still have state funded royal security cover?

[Iluvbertie]

I was under the impression that they usually only had it when on official duties these days.
And yes I do think they should get it - even more so now - they are the cousins of the Queen and therefore a definite target, possibly more so than those directly descended.

Any terrorist group worth its salt knows that to go directly for the Queen, Charles, William or Harry (or any of the Queen's children or grandchildren) would loose them support amongst their own people but to attack the royals by going after one of her cousins would still show that they can reach that high but not upset so many people (like the IRA going after Mountbatten - Philip's uncle and thus the Queen's uncle by marriage - showed how high they were prepared to go without totally getting people offside by attacking the Queen directly.)

[wbenson]

If they're deemed to be in enough danger, I think so. But I think any person should be entitled to that if it's truly necessary for their protection.

[Al_bina]

Much as I like the Kents to have security, I do not think that they are under immediate threat of physical attack/kidnapping/etc. Additionally,the current economic situation will not allow to justify security of the extended royal family funded by tax payers.