Prince Harry is considering personally funding a security guard to protect his girlfriend Meghan Markle.
Prince Harry
The 32-year-old royal has grown concerned about the 'Suits' star's safety since they started dating in recent months, and as a result he is said to be thinking about splashing out on a retired Scotland Yard Personal Protection Officer to look after her when she visits the UK.
A senior inside security source said: "There have been initial discussions about this matter.
"HRH has made it clear that he believes Miss Markle's personal safety is paramount and that the behaviour of some elements of the media and press has been grossly unacceptable.
"But in the end it comes down to a matter of cost, who is paying for what. Protecting the Royal Family is a hugely expensive business."
Harry's late mother Princess Diana's former personal protection officer, Inspector Ken Wharfe, admitted it is "extremely unlikely" the Metropolitan Police headquarters would fork out for security for the 35-year-old star, but insisted it would be "sensible" for Harry to pay for protection for her.
He added to The London Evening Standard newspaper: "It is extremely unlikely that Scotland Yard would fund protection for Miss Markle at this stage.
"In America and Canada where she lives she is well used to the attention she gets as a star actress.
"Should, however, Prince Harry fund a retired, and therefore unarmed, ex S014 officer to accompany her whilst in the UK I think it would be a sensible move."
Tagged in Princess Diana Prince Harry Meghan Markle