A confidential security report has disclosed that Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is confronting six terrorist plots, with five of those originating within the United Kingdom. This revelation comes as the Duke plans to attend an event marking one year until the Invictus Games in Birmingham, but without his wife Meghan Markle and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, due to security concerns.
Security Assessment Details Threats
The security assessment, submitted to the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) and obtained by ITV News, outlines numerous threats directed at both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The report includes an al-Qaeda publication that purportedly called for Harry to be killed. According to the report, the private security company employed by the Sussexes does not currently know the whereabouts of four people convicted in connection with terrorist threats against Harry.
The confidential assessment, completed in February before being provided to the Ravec committee, found that there are "at least six plots against The Duke from jihadist and right-wing threat actors that have targeted other high-profile Britons," with the biggest threat coming from "stochastic terrorism (also known as grassroots or lone actor terrorism)."
Stalking Threats Against Royal Family
The confidential "Threat and Vulnerability Risk Assessment" reports that the UK's Metropolitan Police are aware of nearly 500 potential stalkers targeting the Royal Family, of which half have demonstrated a threat against Harry and his family. The Duke lost his legal challenge against the Government last year over the decision to reduce his publicly funded police protection after he stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and moved to the US.
King Charles Not Involved in Security Decisions
Sources have emphasised that King Charles plays no role in decisions relating to his son's security arrangements. The monarch has offered to put the family up at an unnamed royal residence, and a source said the duke could decide to leave his family at home. The children last saw their grandfather in person four years ago for the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Ongoing Security Review
Following the ruling, Harry made a personal appeal to Ravec in December, asking it to reconsider his security arrangements when he visits the UK. He is still waiting for a fresh review of his protection by Ravec, which determines security arrangements for members of the Royal Family and other public figures. Despite Harry and his children being fifth, sixth and seventh in line to the throne, he had his automatic royal protection removed in 2020.
