Duke's daughters could lose 24-hour security service, reports claim

Reports say round-the-clock security measures afforded to Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice would end following a row about the costs of bodyguards.

The claims come as Green politician Jenny Jones, a member of the Metropolitan Police Authority, said the police-protection list needed evaluation.

She said: "It's about time that the protection list was examined properly, and not simply wait for protected people to die before they can be crossed off the list.

"Not only do we protect partying junior royals, but also have 24/7 protection of at least one home of the often-absent multi-millionaire Blairs, in addition to protecting multi-millionaire ex-despotic dictators like (Pervez] Musharraf.

"I don't understand why the taxpayer should pick up this very costly protection bill."

Both the Metropolitan Police and Buckingham Palace representatives said they could comment on matters of security.

Scotland Yard explained that the names of royals, politicians and other VIPs receiving police protection cannot be disclosed because the publicity could increase the bill.

The Met said releasing a list of those guarded by specialist armed officers would give vital information to terrorists, criminals and stalkers.

Senior officers said potential weaknesses in the police operation could be revealed, as well as information about who is seen to be most at risk.