Public cop another bill

BALLOONING costs of royal security increase the strain on a key public service buckling under Tory austerity.

When rising violent crime and the loss of 21,000 police officers causes growing concern, the question must be asked whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex relocating to Windsor is a good use of precious resources.

The estimated £5million bill for 24-hour protection may prove to be higher than any savings from moving out of Kensington Palace, where they’re covered in part by guards for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Harry and Meghan are undoubtedly popular, as are William and Kate, yet greater burdens on taxpayers test support.

Security is wrongly excluded from Buckingham Palace figures, pretending the Royals cost each of us less than £1 per head annually.

The Queen and her family generally enjoy huge affection but a public taken for a ride over the costs of Princess Eugenie’s wedding is in no mood to keep writing blank cheques.