A former royal protection officer has issued a stark warning about Prince Harry's current security arrangements, suggesting they leave the Duke of Sussex dangerously exposed to potential threats.
According to the ex-Metropolitan Police officer, who previously served on the royal protection squad, Harry's current security team lacks the sophisticated intelligence-gathering capabilities and authority that official police protection provides.
The Critical Differences in Protection
The former officer explained that proper royal protection involves much more than just physical security. "It's about intelligence, it's about being one step ahead," he revealed. "Official police protection has access to intelligence that private security simply cannot obtain."
Unlike private security firms, police protection officers have the authority to:
- Access classified intelligence databases
- Make arrests and detain potential threats
- Coordinate with international security agencies
- Utilise advanced counter-surveillance techniques
Growing Concerns for Harry's Safety
The security expert expressed particular concern about Harry's high public profile and the nature of modern threats. "Harry remains a high-profile target," the former officer stated. "The threats have evolved - it's not just about physical attacks anymore."
He highlighted several specific risks that private security might struggle to mitigate effectively, including sophisticated cyber threats, coordinated attack planning, and the challenges of international travel security.
The Reality of Private Security Limitations
While acknowledging that Harry's private security team likely consists of highly trained professionals, the former royal protection officer emphasised that they operate with significant limitations compared to their police counterparts.
"Private security cannot replicate the full spectrum of protection that comes with being a working royal," he warned, pointing to the extensive resources and legal authorities available to official police protection teams.
The revelations come amid ongoing discussions about the security arrangements for Harry and his family during their visits to the United Kingdom, raising important questions about balancing privacy concerns with necessary protection for high-risk individuals.
