The cost of protecting the young Royals and their partners is sure to come under further scrutiny following the diversion of 8 police officers from normal duty to shield Prince Harry and his girlfriend, Chelsy Davy, as they left a London nightclub at 4am yesterday.

Two van loads of Met police were sent to the Cuckoo Club in West London amid fears of a paparazzi scrum, however they were observed to simply stand watching as Harry, and his girlfriend, Chelsy Davy, walked the small distance from the front of the club to their waiting vehicle.

Ms Davy is in London on a 10 day holiday as part of her gap year travels. After flying in from Zimbabwe on Friday, she and Harry are reported to have partied until the early hours for 2 nights running.