A heated debate erupted on Good Morning Britain as host Susanna Reid expressed fury over Prince Harry's upcoming UK visit, during which he will not receive taxpayer-funded police protection. The Duke of Sussex is set to travel to Britain this week without his wife, Meghan Markle, or their two children, following the revocation of their offer to stay at Buckingham Palace.
Susanna Reid Challenges Security Decision
Returning to the ITV programme after a several-week absence for a "special project," Reid co-hosted with Ed Balls on Monday (July 6, 2026). The duo discussed Harry's visit with regular contributors Kwasi Kwarteng and the Mirror's Kevin Maguire. Reid voiced her anger, stating: "I think it's shocking. I don't understand why he is not given protection in England."
Maguire strongly disagreed, arguing that security assessments had determined Harry faced no credible threat. "They make a security assessment, and the assessment is clearly that no one is going to try and shoot him or his family," he said. Reid countered: "Do we know that?"
Clash Over Threat Level
Maguire responded: "Well, yes, because otherwise he'd have protection. He's living in a country where people are killed in their thousands with guns. He's coming to a country where that doesn't happen." Reid pushed back: "He's in a country where he knows that he has been sent threats, and particularly Meghan. Why would we take the risk? He's the son of the King!"
Kwarteng interjected: "He's trying to have his cake and eat it. He left the Royal Family, he decided to walk away from that." Reid shot back: "Doesn't mean he's not under threat, Kwasi... We're talking about protecting a life."
Comparison to US Gun Culture
Ed Balls noted that Prince Harry is accustomed to armed protection in the US but would rely on the Metropolitan Police in the UK, necessitating the security assessment. Maguire added: "40% of the population in the UK doesn't own a gun. In America, I think it's two fifths [that] own guns, including just about every bad person; they own multiple guns."
He argued that Harry faced no greater risk than the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who does not have armed protection—a claim Reid disputed. "I don't understand why anyone would take the risk. Imagine if the worst happened," she said, leaving Maguire visibly baffled.
Maguire Dismisses Concerns
Maguire replied: "You can imagine the worst happening to 65, 66 million people in Britain who are more vulnerable and don't have any of his protection. I mean, come on. He's either become incredibly precious or he's horribly paranoid. That is it. I'm sorry he's not bringing his family, but it's up to them. I'm not going to lose any sleep over them not all coming."
Concluding the segment, Maguire said: "I don't see why we should have to, just because he feels at risk, [give him] all this protection," before Reid swiftly moved the conversation on.
