Editor’s Note: The following report is excerpted from Joseph Farah’s G2 Bulletin, the premium online newsletter published by the founder of WND. Subscriptions are $99 a year or, for monthly trials, just $9.95 per month for credit card users, and provide instant access for the complete reports.
 The queen |
LONDON – Because of the money crunch that is tightening its grip on Britain, officials with the MI5 intelligence service have told members of the royal family that the cost of their security when they travel abroad has to be slashed by about “half,” according to a report from Joseph Farah’s G2 Bulletin.
Since 9/11 the members of the family have been given blanket security by the Royal Protection Squad, based at Scotland Yard, and a number of Security Service officers. Usually they have served in countries where the royal visits are taking place.
However, late last year the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester visited the United States without any member of the Security Service or the Royal Protection Squad in their entourage. The security was handled by a female official from the Foreign Office.
Also, the security team for a visit by the Countess of Wessex to Italy last month was half the size of what was originally planned, even though the country is listed by MI6 as a “haven for terrorists.”
Keep in touch with the most important breaking news stories about critical developments around the globe with Joseph Farah’s G2 Bulletin, the premium, online intelligence news source edited and published by the founder of WND.
A senior MI5 source said: “Each royal trip abroad will now be looked at with a fine-tooth comb, not only to assess threat level and what we need to provide as cover on a trip, but also what is available in a host country to provide adequate protection. The truth is that, like everywhere else, in the present climate we have to cut costs wherever possible.”
Total security budgets are not always released publicly, but at the moment there are 185 intelligence officers working around the clock protecting the royals in Britain and when they travel abroad.
“After a careful look at future overseas trips where costs associated with overtime pay, travel and accommodation for security officers are bound to spiral, we have decided there must be cuts. We will balance them against where the royals are going,” said an MI5 source.
The decision to cut back has caused consternation in the Foreign Office and at Buckingham Palace.
For the complete report and full immediate access to Joseph Farah’s G2 Bulletin, subscribe now.
