Here’s What It Really Takes to Protect Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Home — And It’s More Than Just Bulletproof Windows
Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge might try and live the most normal life possible, but the truth of the matter is they’re far from normal. William and Kate are two of the most important people in the world, which means the royal family goes to great lengths to protect them at all costs — and that means constant security, even in their own home.
Prince William and Kate Middleton first moved in together in college
William and Kate met as freshman at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Rumor has it that Kate decided to go there upon learning William had enrolled, though that’s not confirmed. The two were close friends first; they were both dating other people when they first met. But when William saw Kate walk in a campus fashion show in 2002, his opinion of her changed.
Though Kate was dating someone, William confessed his love to her, and she was willing to be with him — there were likely feelings there all along. The two started dating shortly after. By their second year of college, they were ready to move in together.
Major security measures were taken when the two started living together
William and Kate joined two other friends in a place downtown, but they couldn’t move in without some serious security precautions being taken. According to royal biographer Katie Nicholl, William and Kate’s college home “was fitted with bulletproof windows, a bombproof front door, and a state-of-the-art laser security system.” The windows, Nicholl reported, were also fitted with reinforced, full-length pine shutters.
The two lived with friends for a while, but they eventually realized they wanted to be on their own. Later in college, they moved into a four-bedroom cottage together. The same security measures applied, and this time, unmarked police were on patrol, and William and Kate had protection officers who lived on-site, according to Nicholl.
It’s unclear how much royal security costs, though Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s security in the United States is estimated at about $5 million annually. It wouldn’t surprise us if it costs even more to protect William and Kate, since William is the heir to the throne.
The two also had serious security measures taken at their wedding
William and Kate’s home isn’t the only time they’re heavily guarded. The two always have a security team, and an intense one was hired for their wedding. Simon Morgan, the couple’s former royal protection officer who worked for the family from 2007 to 2013, discussed the intensity of their big day with Us Weekly.
“Obviously, [it took a] very long time [for] the planning [phase] and certainly the eyes of the world are on that particular event. So, you’re making sure that nothing goes wrong because, as a protection officer, you wear many different hats,” Morgan told the magazine. William and Kate’s security for their wedding cost a whopping $32 million — more than 94% of the total cost of the wedding. Being a royal is expensive, but protecting them costs even more.
