A DELIVERY DRIVER WITH A CRIMINAL RECORD GETS WITHIN FEET OF PRINCE GEORGE
CRIMINAL MAKES DELIVERY TO PALACE AND ‘BOASTS’ OF BEING GREETED BY PRINCE GEORGE
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge faced every parents’ worst nightmare last week. It was reported in The Sun that a delivery driver with a criminal record claimed he’d got ‘within 15 feet’ of their eldest son. It was claimed that convicted torturer Darren Benjamin boasted to friends that he’d been greeted by Prince George in a courtyard of Kensington Palace.
Former tabloid royal editor Duncan Larcombe tells OK! that William would have been seriously concerned: ‘There’s no way Prince William would hear a story like that and not ask questions about the current security system, and possibly heighten the security.’
As third in line to the throne, George is closely protected – even when he’s at home.
‘The royals have uniformed officers guarding the private quarters of the palace,’ explains Duncan. ‘But there’s a separately assigned close protection officer within sight of Prince George, 24/7, including at home. Their job is to stop any fanatic or, in this case, delivery driver, getting anywhere near George.’
George’s Norland nanny – Maria Teresa Borrallo – who was there at the time, is also trained to protect him. ‘Norland nannies are given basic selfdefence training and evasion training to get away from a dangerous situation,’ says Duncan.
Under current arrangements, only ‘known consignments’ can be admitted to royal homes and, after an ID check, drivers are escorted at all times.
The Cambridges returned last week from their two-week break on the Caribbean island of Mustique, where they stayed in a £27,000-a-week villa. Despite the luxury decor, George – who celebrated his sixth birthday out there – apparently loved the budget bunk beds at Villa Antilles, which comes with its own infinity pool, live-in chef and private butler!