Dec 10, 2009, 12:02 GMT
Britain's Prince William and Prince Harry called on a Scotland Yard protection officer to pay their hotel bill.
Nearly £3,000 was needed for the princes when the pair were on a trip in Europe at the end of 2007.
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police Authority claimed it is not strange for officers to pay fees for VIPs.
He said: "On occasion, and if the need arises, protection officers will incur expenditure on behalf of principles, which are then repaid.
"It was normal for things to operate in this way for security and confidentiality reasons."
The money was paid for on an American Express card and repaid by cheque from Prince Charles' estate.
A spokesperson for Clarence House said: "This was an accommodation bill incurred by Prince William and Prince Harry and staff, and was reimbursed immediately from the Prince of Wales' own funds."
It is thought that the princes were on a holiday at a ski resort when the expenses were incurred.
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