£12 million a year: The real cost of Harry and Meghan’s private security bill

In today’s special edition of The Royal T, as both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are awaiting a review into their individual security status to determine whether they are entitled to receive taxpayer-funded security, Camilla Tominey and Victoria Ward speak to Paul Lewis -- a close protection expert who has run security operations for royal and high net-worth individuals for more than 20 years.

He explains the logistics and eye-watering cost of the security Prince Harry and Meghan would need as both private citizens and high-profile members of the Royal family.

Paul reveals why the Sussexes’ full security detail could cost up to £12m in the UK, why social media has exacerbated modern security risks and why private teams without armed authority struggle to counter these threats, compared to state-level intelligence resources.

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Producer: David Levene

Senior Producer: Emma Williams

Social Producer: Nada Aggour

Video Producer: Jim Spencer

Executive Producer: Charlotte Seligman

Editor: Camilla Tominey

Highlights:

• Security expert Paul Lewis analyses the cost and logistics of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex • Camilla, Victoria and Paul discuss the risks Harry and Meghan face in light of the crunch meeting reviewing their security status in the UK

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