PRINCE Andrew is still entitled to round-the-clock security protection – but at a jaw-dropping cost to the British taxpayer, say reports.
The Queen reportedly acted quickly to “protect” the Firm in 2019 when the disgraced Duke was hit with a public outcry over his ties to sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
But now the Telegraph reports the disgraced duke will keep his state-funded police bodyguards following an official review of his security arrangements – despite being stripped of his HRH titles.
The Royal and VIP Executive Committee decided the Duke will still receive the round-the-clock police protection, and will be accompanied by a protection officer whenever he leaves home.
And Permanent security arrangements are in place for the 30-room Royal Lodge on the Queen’s Windsor estate.
And the estimated cost to the British taxpayer sits at an eye-watering £2-£3million per year.
Meanwhile, Andrew’s pay-off to sex abuse accuser Virginia Giuffre was as little as a quarter of the reported £12million.
Sources say his lawyers negotiated a cut-price deal of £3million-to-£5million.
The Duke has always denied any wrongdoing.
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