Industry News – January 18th, 2020
Prince Andrew could be stripped of his 24-hour armed police protection in a major downgrade of security recommended by the Home Office.
The Duke of York’s indefinite exile from public life reportedly means he no longer needs an around the clock security detail.
According to the Evening Standard, it is believed Scotland Yard has “completed a thorough review” of Andrew’s situation and “conclusions have been reached and recommendations made”.
A final decision is in the hands of Home Secretary Priti Patel and Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The loss of Andrew’s police guard comes as the royal family is still reeling from the bombshell announcement Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are beginning a “financially independent” life in Canada.
While the Duke of Sussex’s decision to step away from his frontline royal role was his own, his uncle Andrew had no choice in the curtailment of his own public life.
He was effectively forced to quit after his disastrous BBC Newsnightinterview over his links with disgraced late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
“A review was ordered into the Met’s protection of HRH The Duke of York once it was announced he was stepping down from royal duties in November,” a source told the Evening Standard.
“Those in charge of royal security cannot write a blank cheque for anyone who does not have a public role for the foreseeable future.
“Round-the-clock armed protection is very expensive. The Met is obliged to review the position to ensure it is justified.”
A withdrawal of public money for bodyguards would mean Andrew, 59, would either have none or would have to pay for them himself.
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