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Major shakeup of royal protection

<![CDATA[The protection of the royal family will have a major shake-up Scotland Yard has confirmed.
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According to the London Evening Standard, the shake-up of royal protection is a controversial decision. The Royal and Diplomatic Protection Department officers who protect senior members of the royal family are reportedly in uproar over the planned changes.
Some of the changes that will happen include the SO14 department being stripped of back-up officer support. There has been concern within the royal family that this could cause potential security threats.
However, the Met insists that there will be no impact on the safety of the the royal family. The force reinforces this by saying the changes are not about cutting costs. Members of the royal family to be affected include The Queen, Prince Philip, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.
Other less prominent royals, including Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, have already seen a reduction in their security. In some cases, they have had none at all.
Sources suggest that if needed, armed police units can be used as back-up if required.
The move is so controversial because it is happening at a time when Scotland Yard is supposed to be cutting a fifth of its budgets under the government spending cuts. The cost of security for the royal family and VIP guests is estimated to cost around £128 million annually
Scotland Yard has declined to comment but insist the safety of the royals would be in no way impacted.
Photo credit: Matt From London via photopin cc]]>