Prince Philip Shockingly ‘Walked The Mile’ After Becoming Upset With ‘Excessive’ Police Escort

Prince Philip always wanted to keep his royal engagements as low-key as possible. But this desire would always make him feel disappointed.

In the book “The Firm,” royal author Penny Junor recounted a time when the Duke of Edinburgh traveled to Auckland for his royal engagement. While there, he made it very clear that he didn’t want more than four cars or police escorts to follow him wherever he went.

“At a conference in Auckland one year he was irritated by the convoy of cars with flashing blue lights that the local police had laid on to escort him. Five cars were waiting for him when he came out of the conference,” Junor said.

This upset the dad of four, especially since he spoke with the policemen regarding his request. But since they didn’t listen, Prince Philip told his companions that he would walk instead. According to Junor, the retired royal’s staff was left with no other choice but to walk with him.

“It caused total confusion but it was the last time there were too many cars in the convoy. He hates the use of sirens, hates driving through red traffic lights,” Junor said.

Meanwhile, Prince Philip isn’t the only member of the royal family who dislikes all the fuss that she gets when she’s out in public. Her Majesty actually has the same stand. In the book “Sarah: HRH The Duchess of York,” royal author Ingrid Seward said that the Queen dislikes the presence of too many obvious security personnel.

In 1986, the Queen’s stand seemingly caused problems with the Reagans during their visit. Nancy Reagan was invited to attend Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s engagement party. Initially, the Americans wanted the Reagans to have 12 security personnel but when they found out that the Queen wouldn’t have as many, they decided to change their plans.

The incident resulted in Ronald Reagan getting into an argument with his security team.

"This is a private party and a personal invitation from His Royal Highness Prince Andrew. It is not extended to 12 bodyguards,” he said.