Prince Harry has made a new request to the U.K. government regarding his ongoing security concerns. In a letter to Shabana Mahmood, the newly appointed head of security and crime prevention, Harry urged a reassessment of the security risks to him and his family. This letter comes after reports surfaced on October 6 revealing that a female stalker had come dangerously close to Prince Harry on multiple occasions during his recent visit to the U.K.
A security source explained to PEOPLE that such incidents, though not uncommon for members of the royal family, are concerning due to the lack of police presence or close protection. Two staff members from Harry’s private office were forced to intervene in this instance, but the source pointed out that relying on luck to handle such situations is not a sustainable solution. The source also emphasized Harry’s high-profile status, noting that he is not only the son of the King and brother of the heir, but also one of the most famous people globally, making the situation even more alarming.
The request for renewed security represents a shift in Harry’s approach to the issue. After stepping back from frontline royal duties in 2020, he lost his state-backed security, which was managed by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC). The committee is responsible for decisions regarding the security of royals, diplomats, and other VIPs. Harry’s legal battle to restore his security, which included the lack of an updated threat assessment since 2019, ended with a court loss in May 2025.
In his letter, Harry expressed that without proper security, he does not feel safe bringing his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, to the U.K. This has led to further complications, as Harry has stated that the lack of security makes it impossible for him to visit the country of his birth. He suggested that his father, King Charles, could potentially resolve the matter by allowing security experts to take control, though the palace has consistently denied that the King holds any power to reinstate Harry’s security.
The security issue has been a significant point of tension between Harry and his family, particularly with his father. According to reports, this issue has complicated any chance of reconciliation, as Harry’s legal battle prevented direct communication with King Charles during the proceedings. However, after the legal process concluded, Harry and his father did meet in London for about 50 minutes in September 2025, where Harry gifted his father a framed picture of Archie and Lilibet.
The broader public and security experts continue to weigh in on the matter. Former Metropolitan Police officer Neil Basu, who was once a member of RAVEC, emphasized the high risk surrounding Harry’s security, stating that given his global recognition and his position as fifth in line to the throne, it is essential that proper protection be ensured—especially when he is in the U.K.
As Harry continues his battle for security, the issue remains a focal point in his public life, creating further challenges in his relationship with the royal family.
Leave a Reply