Last year, the security of the royal family cost nearly €21 million, equating to an average of €57,000 per day, according to figures reported by Het Nieuwsblad on Tuesday.
These figures were obtained by Peter Buysrogge, an MP and chair of the Defence Committee, from Minister of the Interior Bernard Quintin. Gazet van Antwerpen and Het Belang van Limburg also reported on this news.
Buysrogge has called for “urgent transparency regarding this amount.”
The expenses cover annual personnel costs, operating expenses, and investment costs.
The Royal Palace Security Detachment (VDKP), a special unit within the federal police comprising around 200 officers, is responsible for ensuring the safety of royal family members, particularly the King, Queen, and Crown Princess Elisabeth, as well as protecting royal estates.
Moreover, according to the N-VA, the Defence Department spent an additional €3.5 million last year on the Palace, mainly related to the King’s military household and unofficial travel by plane.
