Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
SHE’S NOT EVEN A PROPER ROYAL
Rough sleepers hit out over Windsor bash Marriage could have been free in chapel
ROUGH sleepers in Windsor say it is a kick in the teeth that over £2million of taxpayers’ cash is going on Princess Eugenie’s wedding while they are left in the cold.
Homeless people hit out as they revealed they have been told by council wardens to shift their stuff from the streets and advised to move away from the town centre.
James Pusey, one of those who has been warned, said: “She’s not a proper royal. She sits in the background and uses it to her advantage.
“That money could be spent on housing. People that are actually homeless and vulnerable could become a priority. No one begrudges her a happy wedding day, but why go to such expense?”
Many are angry the lavish day will cost taxpayers £250,000 in cleanup costs on top of a £2million bill for police and security.
It comes as it can be revealed that Eugenie – who carries out no public duties – could have saved the public purse millions by getting married at a royal chapel in her dad Prince Andrew’s own back garden.
James, 34, said he has been told to move his belongings or they will be confiscated and held in a police lock-up. He added: “They are saying... we’ve got to not be around when it’s taking place. Basically, they want the streets clear. It’s as if they want to make it look like there aren’t any homeless people in Windsor.”
Up to a dozen rough sleepers in the Berkshire town have been warned ahead of 28-yearold Eugenie’s wedding to tequila brand ambassador Jack Brooksbank, 32, on Friday. The Tory council also sparked anger when it urged homeless people to clear out for the wedding in the town of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May.
Rough sleeper Sunny Kumar, 40, said: “At least with Harry and Meghan their names brought something to Windsor and lots of money to the businesses. But with Eugenie it’s not really going to happen.” Sunny added: No one knows who she is.
“These people are rich anyway. They should all pay for their own wedding. That money could be spent on homelessness or education.”
Kevin Mcnally, 49, who has been homeless for 14 years, and who sleeps in a tent with his girlfriend and their dog Diamond, said of the money being spent on Eugenie’s wedding:
“That carriage ride could put homeless people up in a hostel for months.
“I’m not against the royals, but it’s a joke the money they are spending.”
A spokesman from the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead council said: “We have been advising them that the royal wedding is taking place on Friday, October 12 and due to their vulnerability they may want to move locations within the town centre where they may not be impacted by the anticipated higher footfall.
“We are also providing safe storage of certain possessions. Homeless people will not be asked to remove themselves from the streets.”
Thames Valley police warned that any unattended items deemed a security risk may be removed.
The wedding will be at the same venue Harry and Meghan chose – St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
The reception will be three miles away at the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park where Prince Andrew and daughters Eugenie and Beatrice live.
It has its own romantic church – the Royal Chapel of All Saints – in the grounds. A royal insider said it made sense financially and for security reasons to have the wedding there.
He said: “There would be no need for anything like the major security operation that is in progress for her wedding at Windsor Castle.
“The security would be simple and cheap because it would all take place on a secure royal estate and it would not need such a massive police operation as it would not be public.
“There would be no need for a carriage procession through the streets of Windsor for a minor royal so no police protection headache and [a] £2million saving.”
A 38,000-strong petition against taxpayers’ money being spent on the big day will today be handed to MPS.
The Royal Family are paying for the wedding itself and the reception.
Charities today mark World Homeless Day to raise awareness of the tens of thousands of rough sleepers.