King's Coronation 'to cost £250 million' amid huge security mission

A colossal security operation for the King’s Coronation will reportedly push the bill of the huge public event to around £250 million.

Insiders have revealed that around £150 million of the total will be required to fund the deployment of thousands of police officers and protection squads, while the remaining costs go to staging the ceremony and three days of celebrations.

The cost of staging the Queen’s Coronation in 1953 was £1.57 million, which equates to around £47 million in today’s money.

However, infinitely growing security threats and numerous planned domestic protests have caused costs for the event to hike far above previous estimates of £100 million.

A special air traffic control schedule has been drawn up for dignitaries flying in, according to Home Office sources.

Read more: Coronation plans in full including millions to cry out allegiance

Landing spots will have tightened security, including RAF Northolt in Middlesex and RAF Biggleswade in Bedfordshire from Thursday, which comes amid concerns that climate change protests would aim to disrupt private jet arrivals.

A large operation to prevent activists from stopping the event – codenamed Operation Golden Orb – includes snipers on rooftops, huge numbers of armed officers in the streets and police drones monitoring crowds for shady activity.

Disruption could be caused by groups such as Just Stop Oil and Republic teaming up.

Special Forces will also be on standby as part of the UK Counter Terrorism Defence Mechanism, with Blue Thunder 2 helicopters poised in the event of an attack.

A well-placed Home Office insider told The Mirror: “Security alone will be up to £150million, possibly more. It’s a crazy sum, but this is one of the biggest public events in recent history.

“Thousands are involved – many working overtime. Just getting dignitaries into the country and to their accommodation is a hell of an operation in itself. They will mostly be taken by police escort from the airfields.

“That’s one small cog in this gigantic security machine – there is so much more to the operation.”

Security expert Mark Scoular – a tactical commander for the weddings of Prince William and Prince Harry – believes the final security bill will go yet higher.

Mark, also Head of Emergency Preparedness for the 2012 Olympics, told the paper: “£150million is a lot, but I think the final sum could be a lot more, because the work that goes into an event like this is monstrous.

“On Coronation Day itself, there will be entire CBRN – chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear – units across London.

“There will be ammunition technical officers, firearms units will be doubled up, the public order officers on duty will be staggering.

“As part of the UK preparedness strategy, the ambulance service will quadruple their efforts, the fire and rescue service will redouble their efforts. The number working on intelligence will be monumental.

“Every threat has to be assessed, with alternative courses of action recommended. Preparation will have been going on for years.

“Co-ordinating all of the organisations is like trying to complete a 50,000 piece puzzle without the picture.

“But the view is, if you don’t do it properly, it costs more in the long run. A successful disruption – or worse, an attack – during an event like this affects how the UK is seen on a global level.”

Warped activists have threatened to lob rape alarms at police horses on patrol.

Security expert Philip Ingram said: “The threat from protesters drives up costs. Reports that they may throw rape alarms will cause a massive headache.

“Police will increase the number of plainclothes officers and personnel. The fact the Royals are able to interact with the public while protected by hidden security shows the level of professionalism. However, that does come at a cost.”

There were 8,000 guests at the late Queen’s Coronation, while Saturday’s ceremony at Westminster Abbey – after which the Queen Consort will be known as Queen Camilla – will be attended by 2,000. Millions more will line the streets.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport could not give a cost breakdown until after the event.

A spokesman said: “We are working closely with the police, Royal Household and others to ensure the Coronation is safe and secure. We encourage the public wishing to attend the Coronation to check the guidance on gov.uk to help them prepare.”