A former member of royal security is advising Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to be careful following a perceived threat to the royal family with the Sussexes’ recent return to the UK.
Simon Morgan, who previously served as a bodyguard for the British royal family, told Page Six that the threat level in the UK is currently significant. “Being discreet and unobtrusive is really important — you don’t want to unsettle the environment, as that causes problems,” he noted.
According to Morgan, Harry’s security worries arise from both specific threats and his awareness of the dangers linked to his royal background.
He described these as “actual risks,” emphasizing Harry’s status as a prince and a veteran who has served in combat. “Harry spoke openly about his experiences in his memoir, which could expose him to real security issues,” Morgan explained.
Moreover, Morgan pointed out that being a high-profile public figure naturally brings “perceived risks” to Harry and his family, affecting their safety, finances, and social standing.
To address these threats, they are likely relying on security professionals trained to handle such situations, he said.
After stepping back from royal duties and relocating to California in 2020, the Sussexes have become quite polarizing figures. Morgan mentioned that their actions have led to mixed public opinion, with many holding negative views, while some remain indifferent or even supportive.
However, Morgan clarified that negative public sentiment doesn’t equate to a tangible threat. It’s crucial to assess whether such hostility poses a real danger, which depends on intelligence analysis.
Having experience in both royal protection and the private sector, Morgan believes that the Sussexes likely have an operational security plan in place.
He stressed the importance of flexibility in a security team: “That plan needs to adapt as circumstances, intelligence, and current events change. You can’t just stick to the same plan indefinitely,” he stated.
Morgan praised Harry and Meghan for swiftly withdrawing their children—Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—from a new school after only two days due to a security risk. “It’s clear they recognized the risks were too significant, and a change was necessary,” he observed.
However, Markle faced additional security issues when her personal phone number was reportedly leaked after joining a WhatsApp group for parents at her children’s school. Morgan remarked that, “Given who the Duchess is, her number shouldn’t have been circulated. That kind of compromise could lead to various problems.”
When considering whether the couple can maintain some privacy as public figures, Morgan responded that it’s doable, although it comes with risks. “Identifying these risks and crafting a security strategy is essential,” he emphasized, noting that this requires both time and financial resources.
The higher their profile, the more variables to account for, which translates to greater resource needs and financial commitments, he added.
Harry, who has been advocating for taxpayer-funded police protection in the UK due to security concerns, and Meghan discreetly relocated back to England from their Montecito mansion at the end of August. King Charles III has made it clear that his son and daughter-in-law will remain private individuals, having stepped back from their royal duties in 2020.
Harry made his first official appearance in the UK at the Invictus Spirit Gala Dinner & Awards in Greenwich, London, on Thursday.
Page Six attempted to reach out for comments from Harry and Meghan’s representatives.
