
Prince Harry experienced two alarming encounters with a known female stalker during his recent visit to the United Kingdom. The woman, who has a history of stalking both Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, was discovered hiding in a hotel bathroom just twenty minutes before Harry was scheduled to attend a charity event. According to The Telegraph, security personnel quickly intervened and removed her from the premises shortly before the event commenced.
Just two days later, the same woman attempted to approach Harry again as he exited another event in West London. On this occasion, his private staff had to physically block her from getting too close, as there was no police presence or formal close protection assigned to him. This individual is reportedly included on a list of “fixated individuals” maintained by Harry’s private security team, underscoring a troubling pattern of behavior.
Despite previous legal efforts to restore his security arrangements in the UK, Harry lost a significant court appeal to reinstate government-funded police protection. Following his and Meghan’s decision to step back from royal duties in 2020, Harry has expressed concerns about his security and privacy while in the UK. A security source shared with People, “These incidents are not uncommon for members of the royal family. It differs, however, because there was no police presence or close protection — it was left to two staffers from his private office to intervene. Relying on luck is not a long-term fix.”
Adding to the complexity of Harry’s visit, he met with his father, King Charles, for nearly an hour at Clarence House, marking their first face-to-face meeting in over 19 months. This visit has been interpreted as a positive step towards rebuilding their relationship. Harry and Meghan currently reside in Montecito, California, where they are raising their two children. Concerns about security and privacy remain at the forefront when they travel to the UK.
The incidents occurred just months after Harry’s high-profile appeal was dismissed on May 2, 2023, by Judge Sir Geoffrey Vos. The judge, along with two other judges, ruled that Harry was effectively “stepping in and out of the cohort of protection provided by RAVEC” (the Government’s Royal and VIP Executive Committee). Judge Vos indicated that Harry’s security would be evaluated based on specific circumstances while in the UK.
In his ruling, the judge stated, “It was impossible to say that this reasoning was illogical or inappropriate. Indeed, it seemed sensible.” Following the decision, Harry expressed his dismay, telling People that his “worst fears have been confirmed by the whole legal disclosure in this case — and that’s really sad.”
With these security lapses and ongoing concerns, the situation raises questions about the safety of prominent figures like Harry, who is fifth in line to the throne. As discussions about royal security continue, Harry’s experiences highlight the complexities of balancing personal safety and public life. The royal family’s approach to security, particularly for high-profile members, remains a critical issue as they navigate the evolving landscape of public scrutiny and personal privacy.