Charles and Camilla came under attack in November 2010 when a mob protesting the Government’s decision to increase university fees turned violent, smashing their car’s rear window and splattering the vehicle with white paint.
In 1981 Marcus Sarjeant, 17, fired several blank shots at the Queen as she rode down The Mall during a Trooping of the Colour ceremony. Sarjeant had intended to use a real gun, but instead carried out a “fantasy assassination” when he couldn’t get hold of one.
The royal family sometimes acts as a beacon to deranged individuals with a gripe. They want to make a splash, to be famous.
Equally, as in the case of the murder of Earl Mountbatten by the IRA, if a terrorist organisation wants to make a real impact they or those close to them are real targets.
We live in dangerous times.
Prince Harry is still a serving Army officers and many members of the royal family are linked to the military.
There have been other potential incidents that have been foiled by the police and intelligence services.
The personal protection officers of S014 — elite highly trained officers — are the last line of defence. They are prepared to put their lives on the line every day they go to work.
Until now cost has not really been a factor and royal security officers have simply focused on ensuring the safety of the Head of State and those royals who warrant protection.
The officers do their job silently, without fuss and with the utmost professionalism. Their role is only highlighted when something goes wrong. Some of them, I am told, are not happy with the new arrangements being imposed by Scotland Yard.
Of course frontline policing has had to cut costs too. Of course royal security is very expensive.
But let’s hope the bean counters at Scotland Yard have got it right.
