Prince Andrew has always fought for his daughters’ royal status, but Prince Charles had to get involved after Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie’s security costs caused a row

Prince Charles was forced to intervene in a debate about funding for Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie’s security causes a row behind palace walls, a royal expert has claimed.

The heir to the throne stepped in after the younger of his nieces racked up huge security costs as she travelled the world on her gap year.

A report published at the time suggested Eugenie, who has recently announced she’s pregnant with her first child, spent more than £100,000 of taxpayers’ money as she exploded India, America, Thailand and South Africa.

She paid for hotels and travel herself, but the massive security bill, including overtime money, was funded by the taxpayer.

Speaking on Channel 5 documentary Beatrice and Eugenie: Pampered Princesses?, royal expert Richard Kay said: “She was sort of flitting from country to country as most middle-class young people do who take gap years.