The Prince and Princess of Wales are now viewed as one of the the British royal family's most iconic couples in history, and with the spotlight constantly hanging over them, it makes sense that they, alongside other members of the family, have some of the tightest security in the world.
However, this wasn't always the case, and it has been revealed that Prince William had initially made a plea to have security protect his girlfriend, then known as Catherine Middleton, before they were engaged, which was rejected by his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
In his new book, William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, royal author Russell Myers revealed that the "Queen had taken an interest in her grandson's relationship" long before the engagement in 2010." He added: "Sources say the Queen had become intent on keeping a watchful eye over her heir and, as a result, had even considered bringing Catherine closer into the fold."
The royal expert also wrote: "William had approached his grandmother with an unofficial request, asking if anything could be arranged to provide security for Catherine," as she had been chased by the media and nearly forced into giving up her job at Jigsaw, which prompted her to nearly walk away from their relationship.
Unfortunately, the Metropolitan Police's protective institution for the royal family, then known as the Metropolitan Police Royalty Protection Command, was unable to use taxpayer-funded police officers in such a way, so he turned to the family.
"William asked the Queen whether it would be possible to privately fund security for Catherine," the royal author wrote. "A decision was taken by the royal household that until the prince was engaged, no arrangement could be made."
Prince William isn't the only royal to cause a security debate
In January 2026, the Duke of Sussex caused a debate as to whether he should be entitled to government-funded security when he is in the UK, splitting HELLO! readers: a majority 65 per cent believed he should not, while only 35 thought he should.
When royal author Robert Jobson analysed the situation for HELLO!, he came to the conclusion that it was a lot more complicated than many people believed. He wrote: "History offers a sobering lesson. If Diana had retained Scotland Yard protection, she would likely be alive today. When the stakes involve someone's life, perhaps ''probably fine'' should not be good enough.
"Somewhere between duty and family, between protocol and common sense, there must be a solution that satisfies everyone and allows the royal family at least a chance to heal," the royal expert concluded.
