<
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]]>
