In a bid to regain his taxpayer-funded armed security, Prince Andrew has reportedly approached the Home Office.
The Duke of York, now 63, is seeking the return of his £3 million bodyguards to ensure his safety in public, as reported by The Sun.
The loss of police protection followed his decision to relinquish his HRH style, a move prompted by controversies surrounding his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his out-of-court settlement in a US civil sex case.
However, sources from the Home Office refrained from commenting on the matter, only acknowledging that royal protection is subject to continuous review.
Dame Priti Patel, in an email to Charles’s principal private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, suggested the possibility of reviewing Prince Andrew’s security detail.
This email also made reference to the security arrangements of the Duke of Sussex.
Despite the leak of this correspondence to the public, Dame Priti expressed regret for any embarrassment caused to the monarchy.
The duke’s retreat from public life dates back to a controversial Newsnight interview in November 2019.
Legal actions taken by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual assault when she was 17 and under the influence of Epstein, further tarnished his reputation.
Although Prince Andrew has consistently denied these allegations, he settled the US civil case with a significant monetary payment.
In January 2022, ahead of the legal proceedings, Queen Elizabeth revoked Prince Andrew’s honorary military positions and his HRH style.
These actions were in alignment with King Charles’s vision for a streamlined monarchy, from which Prince Andrew was notably excluded.
Notably, when Prince Andrew held the status of a working royal, he was entitled to taxpayer-funded security consisting of armed police officers accompanying him during his public appearances outside Windsor in Berkshire.
While the King has made no use of public funds to provide security for Prince Andrew, reports have suggested that he might personally cover the £3 million annual cost for his brother’s security team.
Buckingham Palace has refrained from commenting on these speculations.
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