Prince William's Guard Doubled

[Olaf]

The thought of something happening to one of Diana's sons makes my blood boil.
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WILLS GUARD DOUBLED Nov 18 2002


More armed teams as fears grow that student prince could be al- Qaeda target

Edith Russell Exclusive



PRINCE William's security has been stepped up amid fears he could be a target for terrorists.

New teams of armed bodyguards have been assigned to William at St Andrews University as part of massively heightened protection measures.

As the Government warn of the increased threat of Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network hitting Britain, it is understood security chiefs believe the Royal Family could be targets.

And, as a university student living outside the royal residences, William is seen as possibly the softest option.

The Record has learned the details of the new security plans designed to protect William, but, in the interests of the prince's safety, has chosen not to publish them in full.

However, his every move is now being tracked by several teams of armed guards and the security measures to protect him have been more than doubled.

A St Andrews resident said last night: "The number of foot patrols has increased and a couple of times I've seen a whole wagonload of police parked outside his house.

"There are many more security vehicles surrounding his every move."

The extra protection for the young royal comes as airports and ferry terminals also tighten security.

St Andrews may seem an unlikely target for an al-Qaeda strike but the royal resident heightens the risk.

The added security should offer reassurance to the prince, who has just returned to university after spending a week away from St Andrews.

William is now halfway through the first semester of his second year at the university, where he is studying geography and moral philosophy.

The increased security coincides with St Andrews' most infamous celebration - the annual Raisin Weekend.

The weekend of drunken high jinks culminates today - Raisin Monday - in a massive foam fight in St Salvator's Quadrangle.

It is understood that William will not take any part in the frolics in the quad this year.

Asked about the increased security at St Andrews, a spokeswoman for St James's Palace said: "We never discuss or comment on security issues of any kind."

William's security has been a headache for Fife Police and taxpayers.

It was revealed last month that St Andrews University's most famous student had moved out from the halls of residence into a private home, which he is sharing with student friends.

But his new home required huge security upgrades costing £500,000 before he was allowed to move in.

And it was the taxpayers who were expected to foot the bill for the work.

At the same time, extra police have been drafted in to provide the young prince with round-the-clock protection.

In April, police chiefs were already asking for more money to pay for protecting William during his frequent Balmoral breaks.

Grampian Police said his stays at the Deeside estate were putting a strain on their resources as they had to draft in 25 extra officers for each visit.

The force claimed that they were struggling to meet the spiralling overtime costs.

Fife Police got an additional £1.5million to cover security arrangements in St Andrews when the prince first started university.

But to ensure the second in line to the throne is safe at all times and can also lead a relatively normal life, extra cash has been forked out every few months.

It is understood that the costs of the latest measures will be borne by Special Branch and MI5 rather than Fife Police.

 

[nativetxn]

I'm sort of surprised that this is just now being done

 

[supercarrie]

I am so glad I am not royalty, or a family member of a head of government. I would hate to have to live like that.

 

[Disney Doll]

I think it's a good idea. On a related note, this is one of the things that I find irresponsible about the media. Do they really need to report what the security details is, where they are located and what kind of vehicles they're in?

 

[mrsv98]

nativetxn

you would be astonished at the lack of security for the Royal Family. When I was at University, I went to a reception to meet Prince Charles. It was being held at another college so some friends (also invited) and I walked over. Being American and used to seeing a security prescence, I looked for men on the rooftops on the way in, metal detectors, armed guards, I mean, this was the next King of England, right? Nothing. We walked in, no one even checked our invitations, we checked our coats and waited in a Hall. After a bit, he just walked in, among all the students, with one man leading him, but really, just acting as a prompter to move him along. I was flabergasted. Additionally, the Royal Family's daily schedule is published in the newspapers so anyone can find out where and when they will be. I am glad they are protecting William more vigilantly, but sad that they need to.

 

[WDWfan uk]

Rebecca I'm most surprised that you didn't notice any security - the royal family, certain politicians and others do have bodyguards with them constantly, my guess is that they were there but unobtrusive.
I have witnessed first hand the sort of security sweep that takes place in advance of a royal visit/VIP visit to a building and this has always been the case in the UK due to terrorist acts and threats from other sources besides this one.

 

[Olaf]

Shirley, the level of security that surrounds our Prez and VP has to be seen to be believed. Of course, it's a direct result of having had four Presidents assassinated, and dozens of attempts--a sad commentary on our country. You should see downtown DC, it looks like Fortress America--barricades everywhere.

Truth is, if someone is willing to forfeit their own life to take a life, there isn't a damn thing any bodyguard can do about it. That's what makes these terrorists so frightening. They have no respect for human life--their own or anyone else's.