Inside coronation’s ‘£150m’ security operation with rooftop snipers, airport-style screening and a no-fly zone
THE security operation for the King’s Coronation, which will reportedly cost £150m, will include rooftop snipers, airport-style screening and a no-fly zone.
With the historical event just days away pressure is mounting on how tight the safety measures are going to be.
It comes after cops were forced to swoop in on Tuesday night when a man threw suspected shotgun cartridges onto Buckingham Palace grounds.
Witnesses then heard the suspect shout “I’m going to kill the King“, before he was dragged away.
Police were last night facing questions over security after witnesses told how the would-be attacker placed a bag by the gates.
It’s understood details of plans are “very complex” and will see thousands of officers deployed along with protection squads, air support and roof-top snipers.
Roads around central London are already being closed off today ahead of Saturday.
The operation, named Golden Orb, will also send drones up to monitor the crowds.
Home Office sources told The Mirror air traffic control has been scheduled.
Special Forces will also be on standby as part of the UK Counter Terrorism Defence Mechanism.
It’s understood Blue Thunder helicopters will be ready in the event of an attack.
Whilst the exact cost of the entire event is yet to be announced, a Buckingham Palace spokesman told The Sun, the global interest it attracts “more than repays the expenditure”.
He said: “I’ve seen a number of different estimated figures floating around, some more fanciful than others.
“The true figures will be shared in due course where expenditure relates to the Sovereign Grant or Government costs.
“What I will say here is that one of the lessons from Her late Majesty’s funeral was how a national occasion like this, a great State occasion, does attract huge global interest that more than repays the expenditure that goes with it, indeed it vastly exceed it in terms of the boost to our economy and to our nation’s standing.
“Aside from the expenditure estimates you may have seen, it has also been reported that somewhere between one and several billions are expected to flow into the economy as a result of this coronation.
He added: It’s not for me to say how accurate those figures are but certainly the theory pertains that the celebrations are an enormous economic boost to the nation – and just as importantly, with 100 heads of State coming to Britain for the event, it’s a fantastic opportunity for networking, for Government, and for engaging the interest from those nations with everything that Britain has to offer.
“The planning process has been ever-mindful that this is a time of economic challenge for many, so efficiencies have been found in key areas – for example through reusing many ceremonial elements, rather than commissioning new ones.”
The Queen’s 1953 coronation cost Britain £1.57m, which is around £47m today.
Charles went about his royal duties this morning with son William and daughter-in-law Kate.
The royals were also joined by George, Charlotte and Louis as they attended coronation rehearsals despite the scare.