A heated debate erupted on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday, July 7, as host Ed Balls clashed with royal commentator Afua Hagan over Prince Harry's security arrangements during his visit to London.
The discussion followed Buckingham Palace's announcement that the Duke of Sussex would not be accommodated at the palace during his trip, despite his representatives initially stating he had accepted such an invitation. A spokesman for Prince Harry later acknowledged the offer had been "withdrawn," calling it "disappointing."
Security Dispute Takes Center Stage
The row intensified when Afua Hagan suggested the King had deliberately rescinded Harry's invitation, while Duncan Larcombe, former Royal Editor at The Sun, argued that Prince Harry was responsible for the situation. Ed Balls disagreed with Hagan regarding the Home Office's rejection of Harry and Meghan Markle's request for armed police protection.
Balls pointed out: "The security issue was worked out months ago," before Hagan cut in: "No, no, Ed, I have to push back on that." Balls continued: "They've known that all along. That's not the reason for the debate in the last two days." Hagan strongly disagreed: "I'm going to have to push back on that one. RAVEC [Royal and VIP Executive Committee] have not done an updated risk assessment on the security that Prince Harry needs since 2019."
Balls Challenges Hagan's Claims
The presenter fired back: "The Home Office said yesterday that RAVEC assessed the risk... Are you saying that RAVEC aren't doing their job? Are you saying the Home Office is incompetent, they're happy to risk the security of Prince Harry?" Hagan replied: "I am saying that, and I will say that with my whole chest 10 toes down."
Balls remained unconvinced: "Sorry Afua, RAVEC have done their job. You just don't like their conclusion," adding: "I find that unbelievable." He concluded: "I think [Harry] should tell his media people to get a grip."
Viewers Express Frustration
GMB audiences were left frustrated just minutes into the programme, with numerous complaints about Prince Harry dominating the day's headlines. "#GMB is obsessed with Prince Harry," one viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter), with another commenting: "#GMB desperate to make a story out of nothing. Pathetic." A third remarked: "Give it a rest!" while someone else shared: "No one is interested."
"Who actually cares? The constant discussion about this is boring and getting ridiculous," a fifth audience member noted, with another sharing the view: "It is a slow news day? Obviously a no news day."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am.
