Why are we facing £2million bill so Eugenie can copy Harry’s wedding?
SECURITY for Princess Eugenie’s high-profile wedding could cost taxpayers up to £2million amid fears it could be a terror target.
The 28-year-old, who is ninth in line to the throne, has chosen to marry Jack Brooksbank, 32, at St George’s Chapel on October 12.
They have opted for the same venue where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot in May.
Despite carrying out no royal duties, Eugenie is having a lavish ceremony including a carriage procession through Windsor Castle and Windsor High Street – with taxpayers forced to pick up the bill.
Security expenses have spiralled and extra firearms officers may have to be drafted in due to terror fears, the Daily Mirror reported.
But campaigners have blasted the expense, with one Labour MP calling it ‘an outrage.’
Dozens of officers will mount searches across the route in advance in a huge security operation managed by the Met, Thames Valley and British Transport Police.
The security bill was initially estimated to be £750,000, but has reportedly more than doubled since the pair announced their engagement in January, and could now be as high as £2million.
Emma Dent Coad, Labour MP for Kensington – home to Kensington Palace, where Eugenie and Mr Brooksbank live – said: ‘In these times of heightened security risks it is irresponsible for a minor member of the royal family to have a high profile, very public wedding. This may be the time to review the role and cost of minor royals.’
Labour MP Chris Williamson, told the Mirror: ‘It really is an outrage when you’ve got people sleeping rough and gripped by poverty that people are indulging in this conspicuous consumption. No one else gets their wedding paid for by the public purse and they’ve got the resources to do it themselves.’
Eugenie and tequila brand ambassador Mr Brooksbank have also followed in Harry and Meghan’s footsteps by inviting 1,200 members of the public to their wedding. The ‘golden ticket’ holders will be invited into the grounds of Windsor Castle. Princess Beatrice, 30, will be maid of honour and the wedding itself will be paid for by the couple’s parents.
In contrast to Eugenie’s grand plans, Princess Anne’s daughter Zara married in a small ceremony in Edinburgh.
A Royal Family spokesman said: ‘Costs for security will be shared by individual police forces and the local council. All other costs for the wedding will be met privately.’ Police sources say there is no intelligence serious anti-monarchy of any threat protests. or sign of Thames Valley Police said it was ‘not possible to provide a cost’ at this stage, adding: ‘Our priority is ... to make sure that the event is happy and secure for all.’
‘Time to review cost of minor royals’