Amid reports that the Duchess of Cambridge will stay with her parents in Berkshire after the birth of her baby, a former royal protection officer advises against it
Kate Middleton has been advised against heading to her mother and father's Berkshire home following the birth of her first child next month.
Princess Diana's former royal protection officer, Ken Wharfe, told The Evening Standard last night that if the Duchess of Cambridge decides to stay at Carole and Michael Middleton's £4.85 million home in Berkshire after the birth, that it could have huge security implications for the royal family.
He said: 'The cost implications of this operation for just a week would run into hundreds of thousands of pounds, beyond that stay into by Kate into week, would surely hit millions of taxpayers money.'
Instead, the former Scotland Yard Inspector believes that Kate, William and the newborn should stay at one of the Queen's residences – Sandringham, Balmoral or Windsor – because they have special security systems put in place by Scotland Yard's Royalty And Diplomatic Protection Department.
St James' Palace revealed this week that the announcement of the royal baby will be posted on an easel outside Buckingham Palace in keeping with royal tradition. A medical certificate confirming the birth will be driven by police escort directly to the Queen before it goes public.
A source said: 'We very much wanted to preserve the theatricality of the tradition. The announcement will be tweeted but not until after the formal printed notification has been positioned.'
Prince William will take two weeks paternity leave from the RAF to spend time with Kate and the newborn. But it's still unconfirmed where they'll stay when their little one arrives. The couple's Kensington Palace apartment is still being refurbished, which is why reports are circulating that Kate will decamp to her parents'.
But will it be secure enough? We'll bring you more updates as they land...
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