Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Urged to Be Discreet Amid Severe Security Risks

A former royal security staffer has advised Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to exercise discretion due to a significant security threat facing the royal family. Simon Morgan, who previously served as a bodyguard to the British royals, told Page Six that "the threat to the UK and its assets, of which the Royal Family is one, is currently severe."

Morgan emphasized the importance of being "discreet and unobtrusive" to avoid unsettling the environment, which could escalate security issues. He noted that Harry's security concerns stem from both tangible threats and his understanding of the risks associated with his royal connections. As a prince and a former military officer who served two tours, Harry faces specific risks, particularly after publicly discussing his combat experiences in his memoir, which could attract unwanted attention.

Beyond concrete threats, Morgan explained that the high profile and wealth of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex inherently create "perceived risks" to their family, finances, and public standing. "Therefore, they seek to reduce and mitigate the risks by using security [and] professionals whose job it is to deal with these threats," he stated.

The couple's return to the UK in August, after six years in California, has placed them under increased scrutiny. Morgan, founder of Trojan Consultancy, highlighted that the Sussexes have become polarizing figures since stepping back from royal duties, leading to varied public opinions, many of which are negative. However, he clarified that negative public sentiment does not automatically equate to a credible physical threat, with the assessment of actual danger relying on intelligence.

Morgan indicated that the Sussexes' security team likely has an "operational plan" in place. He stressed the need for such plans to be adaptable, regularly evaluated, and evolved based on changing intelligence, media landscapes, and global events. "You can’t just create a plan and stick with it no matter what," he advised.

The expert commended the couple for their decision to pull their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, from a new private school after just two days due to security concerns. "Ultimately, the Sussexes’ team has done that by changing schools. It wasn’t working, the risks were too great, they couldn’t be mitigated, so a change was needed," Morgan said.

Meghan Markle recently faced another security issue when her personal phone number was reportedly leaked after she joined a WhatsApp group for parents at her children's new school. Morgan commented that her number should not have been shared, as it compromises personal information and could lead to security problems. He suggested that a third-party solution should have been considered.

Maintaining a private life as high-profile individuals is possible, Morgan believes, but requires significant resources. "The higher the profile, the more factors to consider, the more resources that are needed and ultimately the greater financial resources and commitment that is needed," he said.

Prince Harry has been actively seeking taxpayer-funded police protection in the UK. The couple relocated from their Montecito home to England at the end of August. King Charles III has emphasized that Harry and Meghan will be regarded as private citizens in the UK, as they relinquished their working royal roles in 2020.

On Thursday, Prince Harry made his first official public appearance since returning to the UK, attending the Invictus Spirit Gala Dinner & Awards in London. Representatives for Harry and Markle have been contacted for comment.