Prince Harry Faces Stalker in High Court
During his ongoing court case against the publisher of the Daily Mail, Prince Harry experienced a distressing incident when a known stalker sat just a few metres behind him in the public gallery.
Quick Context
The Duke of Sussex was in court for the opening of his legal action, which revolves around allegations of unlawful information gathering. On two of the four days he attended the proceedings, the individual, who has a history of stalking him, was reportedly close by, prompting concerns for his safety.
Details of the Incident
Reports indicate that the woman took a seat behind Prince Harry, drawing the attention of his security team. Once alerted, court staff acknowledged the situation but stated that there was little they could do, as it is a public building and the woman had a right to be there. The incident reportedly heightened Prince Harry’s anxieties regarding his security, an issue that has been under reassessment.
Background on the Stalker
This individual has made headlines before due to previous encounters with Prince Harry. She has been known to follow him internationally, including a reported incident in Nigeria and an intrusion into a secure zone at a London hotel during an awards show last September. Just days later, she was again seen near him at a specialized facility in west London. This behavior has led to her being flagged as a fixated individual by a private intelligence firm.
Ongoing Security Concerns
As worries escalate over Prince Harry’s security in the UK, the Home Office has ordered a review of his protective measures. This assessment follows his unsuccessful attempt to secure taxpayer-funded protection while living abroad. A formal request for a risk evaluation was submitted to the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC) after he communicated directly with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
The Court of Appeal previously ruled against his challenge for heightened security during visits from the U.S., which Prince Harry claimed made it difficult for his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Archie and Lilibet, to visit safely. A new decision regarding his security arrangements is anticipated in the near future.
Expert Opinions
Neil Basi, a former head of the UK’s Counter Terrorism Unit, characterized the ongoing situation as “incredibly anxiety-inducing.” He emphasized the unpredictable nature of fixated individuals, stating that their motivations can vary significantly-from expressions of affection to threatening behavior. He believes that the threat level for Prince Harry remains high, citing his fame and the increased public interest in his life as factors contributing to the risks he faces.
Basi underscored the importance of conducting a threat assessment, particularly as it is the first one undertaken for Prince Harry since 2019. He noted that, given the circumstances, it is crucial to ensure adequate security measures are in place to protect him.
Original source: Open the source
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