Security experts have warned of the dangers after the Royal Household chose to publish details of their flights.

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth

They have decided to publish NOTAMs (Notice To Airmen) to tell pilots and drone operators where the helicopters will be flying to improve safety.

However, some experts have warned that this could pose more of a security risk.

Dai Davies a former head of Royal Protection told the Daily Mail: "This gives me grave concern as to the overall risk potential. Why bother spending millions of pounds on protecting the Royal Family on the ground, then make this information available in advance? I just despair."

Whilst Professor Anthony Glees, head of the University of Buckingham's Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies, added: "Far from deterring people from flying drones nearby, they are in fact telling them how best to do so. To publicise where a Royal helicopter will be flying is to encourage terrorists, mad people and pranksters. There are some things that should be secret and I think Royal flights are among them."

The Civil Aviation Authority, which publishes the alerts, said the decision was made by the Royal Household.

A statement from the CAA read: "Following a review of helicopter flights by the Royal Household, route details will be provided to all airspace users including private pilots and drone users to allow them to remain clear."

And a spokesperson for the royal family added: "In making travel arrangements, the Royal Household always seeks the best balance of security, efficiency and value for money."


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