Former royal protection officer Neil Basu has questioned why Prince Harry's threat risk has reduced, saying he cannot see why it has changed since 2019. Harry and Meghan are back in the UK, and the issue of their security arrangements is once again on the agenda.
Harry and Meghan quit as working royals in 2020, and they subsequently lost their access to state-funded protection. In the six years since Megxit, their security arrangements have been managed on an ad-hoc basis, and the full security brief has not been reinstated. Harry is still hopeful they will be given state-funded security.
Neil Basu on the threats facing the Sussexes
Neil Basu rose to the rank of Assistant Commissioner in the Metropolitan Police before leaving the force in 2022. He was also in charge of royal police protection and he has lifted the lid on the perceived threats facing the Sussexes.
Speaking on the Crime Agents podcast, he said: "Given that he served his country, and he's been one of the most vilified members of the public, and he's one of the most famous people in the world, and effectively has had Islamist/extremist threats, and extreme right-wing threats."
"In 2019 he was one of the people we thought needed the full package. In 2026 he doesn't? I have never been able to see why his threat risk has reduced, whether you like him, or you don't," reports the Daily Mirror.
Harry and Meghan's return to the UK
Harry and Meghan touched down in the UK, with children Archie and Lilibet, just one week after their surprising announcement that they would be returning to Britain. The couple arrived at Birmingham Airport on Wednesday (August 26), ahead of enrolling their children for the new school year.
Harry and his family were swiftly escorted away in a private security convoy as they embarked on this fresh chapter of their lives. The question of Harry's security has been a significant source of tension in his relationship with the Royal Family.
Threats and prosecutions
Neil and his unit looked into allegations of threats to kill against Harry and Meghan, leading to two prosecutions. The officer retired from the Metropolitan Police in 2022.
On his final day in the role, he was questioned by Cathy Newman - then working for Channel 4 - as to whether the threats were genuine. Neil pointed to the successful prosecutions.
He also highlighted one crucial distinction between state-funded police security and the privately hired protection team who seem to be looking after Harry and his family. He added: "They wouldn't be as safe as if they were given police protection, because I know the standard and calibre of close protection would be at a high level."
"The difference between the kind of security he can have as a private citizen, and the kind of security he can have as a police officer. Our security are armed, and he isn't going to have an armed response."
