Andrew has been getting taxpayer-funded security but the deal is coming to a close, it’s reported (Picture: Getty Images)
King Charles is reportedly likely to pay for the Duke of York’s private security, despite refusing to fork out for the protection of Prince Harry’s family.
Prince Andrew is set to be stripped of taxpayer-funded protection from the Metropolitan Police, despite his ‘furious’ objections.
It comes after he stepped back from royal public duties following accusations of sexual assault from Virginia Guiffre and scrutiny over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.
His security will be replaced by private security guards which will cost up to £3 million a year, The Telegraph reports.
This is expected to be funded by his big brother Charles, as Andrew is thought to have no regular income.
The Duke of York is believed to have written to the Home Office and Scotland Yard to complain about having his police protection taken away.
Harry and wife Meghan are likely to be unimpressed with the news, as they claim the Royal Family cut off their security with little warning back in 2020.
Their security was apparently removed on March 31, 2020, leaving them with less than three weeks to make arrangements.
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The duke said his security was cut off with three weeks to find something else (Picture: Shutterstock)
The couple said they were vulnerable after just announcing they were stepping down and found themselves ‘completely surrounded’ by the press on Vancouver Island in Canada.
Speaking in their new documentary, Harry said: ‘M asked me, “Would they remove our security?” I said, “They’ll never do that.”
‘Meghan’s background, her heritage, the well-documented hate campaigns against us, suspicious packages being sent to the palaces, specifically with her name on or my name on.
‘She said, “Do you think they’ll do it?” I said, “No, they would never do that.” And they did it.’
Harry is taking legal action against the Home Office over a decision not to provide Met Police protection for himself and his family when visiting the UK from the US.
He says his own private security team does not have adequate jurisdiction abroad, which would include access to local intelligence and operating under the legal law enforcement framework.
The Home Office has said its ‘protective security system is rigorous and proportionate’, but has declined to comment on ongoing legal proceedings.
Metro has contacted Buckingham Palace and a representative for the Duke of York for comment. Both declined to comment when contacted by The Telegraph.
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Andrew has been getting taxpayer-funded security but the deal is coming to a close, it’s reported.
