Add Category
London: Prince Harry has compromised the security of the royal family by describing the layout of royal residences as well as his personal protection detail, an expert has said.
Dai Davies, a former head of royal protection, said the Duke of Sussex was a “fool” for revealing such information in his memoir, Spare, which “in the wrong hands” could prove “dangerous”.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, leave after a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II in June.Credit:AP
The Duke writes that he carried an electronic tracker and panic alarm at all times, describing how his protection team operated and reacted.
He includes a detailed description of where to find the Queen Consort’s “fanciest bottles” of wine, “absurd gifts from foreign governments and potentates” as well as “several storerooms full of paintings” at Highgrove, the King’s Gloucestershire home.
Minute details are also shared about the location of the late Queen’s bedroom at Balmoral and the precise route from the entrance at Clarence House to the King’s private sitting room, complete with the exact number of stairs.
Davies said: “These revelations give me great concern and will likely give great concern to Harry’s current team. It makes the job of protecting him, whether privately or otherwise, problematic. Only a fool would reveal this kind of detail about the royals’ inner sanctums.”
Harry has been criticised for revealing details of how the royal family operates behind closed doors.Credit:AP
He added: “Historically, there have always been people who have tried to access parts of royal palaces. Whether they are fixated individuals with mental health problems or terrorists, this information could prove very useful.”
Harry recounts the moment that Meghan was first introduced to the King and the Queen Consort, when they were met at the door of Clarence House by a butler and a house manager: “They led us down the long corridor, past the big paintings and gilt-edged mirrors, along the crimson carpet with the crimson runner, past the big glass cabinet filled with gleaming porcelain and exquisite heirlooms, up the creaky staircase, which rose three steps before jogging right, up another twelve steps, then jogged right again. There, at last, on the landing above us, stood Pa.”