The cost of security for politicians and members of the royal family soared to €34m last year, compared with €12m in the early part of this century, a police spokesman confirmed on Saturday.

Ten royals and between 15 and 20 politicians have permanent security, including prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende and anti-immigration MP Geert Wilders.
The royal and diplomatic security service DKDB says it expects the bill to reach €46m next year. The DKBD employs 306 bodyguards, but at least 100 more need to be found, the organisation said.