Prince William adds £1.4m to taxpayers' monarchy bill
Monday 19 July 2010
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EmailPrince William has been criticised over the amount of taxpayers' money it will cost in extra police protection during his RAF training.
The Sunday Times claimed the prince insisted on living at a Welsh cottage, shunning the RAF facility in Anglesey as he embarks upon a three-year helicopter training course.
The paper said a 15-strong unit supplied by north Wales police would be tasked with providing the extra security while he lives at the cottage.
The cost of providing the extra protection would run to an estimated £1.4 million per year, the paper claimed.
Anti-monarchy group Republic said it was an "appalling waste of taxpayers' money."
Spokesman Graham Smith said: "William Windsor is of no importance to the public. He is a private individual who should pay for his own security.
"If he is training as an RAF pilot, then he should abide by all the same rules that apply to other trainees. If he feels he is a security risk and doesn't wish to live on base he should pay for his own security."
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