It was decided to replace Prince Andrew’s armed security police with private security officers, who are only permitted to use stun guns, and King Charles could now personally pay the £3 million a year for the new team of guards at the his brother’s body.
This comes a year after the Duke of York, 62, was stripped of his official roles and title of HRH after settling a case in which he was accused of sexually assaulting Virginia Giuffre. He did not acknowledge no responsibility and has vehemently denied the allegations.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment to the Daily Mail when asked whether Charles would now cover the cost of armed protection for Andrew using his £24m annual income from the Duchy of Lancaster, and confirmed the palace refuses to comment on all safety issues.
Prince Andrew, Duke of York
As a member of the royal family, Andrew was entitled to a taxpayer-funded security detail of armed police officers who accompanied him on all visits outside Windsor, Berkshire.
The prince was said to be furious when reports that he would be stripped of his right first surfaced, in the latest sign that Charles had no intention of allowing him to return to his former position as full-fledged monarch.
Former Home Secretary Norman Baker said: “Armed protection has always been a status symbol for people like Prince Andrew, obviously he should pay for it himself and not burden the taxpayer as he is a private individual and performs no public function.” . “
It comes as Prince Harry is suing the Home Office, saying it was “unfair” and “illegal” to remove his armed guards when he and Meghan left the royal duty to live in the United States.
