It is claimed that the Royal family cost the British taxpayer less than £1 a year to support, per person. Whether or not this is accurate is difficult to say as figures are blurred but a portion of this goes on their close protection and can we really begrudge them this if we wish to continue with the instiution? Kate Middleton, suspected future wife of Prince William has recently been allocated some personal close protection whilst skiing in Klosters, further fuelling speculation that an engagement announcement is imminent.

Protection for the Royal family is divided into specific groups for specific types of protection, SO14, SO1, CO6 and CO7:

SO14 is divided into two groups:

• Royalty Protection Squad. These are the guys that provide 24 hour close protection for the Royal household. These officers are always armed.
• Special Escort Group (SEG). This is additional security laid on when the Royal family are on the move. Specially trained motorcycle riders and drivers with armoured vehicles and Glock 17 pistols  (and sometimes MP5 SF2 sub machine guns) escort the Royal family on trips. The SEG are also used for visiting dignitaries as well as when moving high value loads or high risk prisoners.

• SO1 are The Speicalist Protection Branch and provide close protection for the British Prime Minister, current and former. Ambassadors and high risk VIP’s will also make use of this service.

• CO6 are the Diplomatic Protection Group responsible for the protection of the diplomatic community in the City including the protection of embassies and No 10 Downing Street.

• CO7 is the Palace of Westminster Division responsible for the protection of the Houses of Parliament – they are not armed.