Prince Harry 'foolish mistake' highlighted as security battle takes turn

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex has received a potential boost in his dispute over security arrangements in the UK.

Following reports that a fresh threat assessment has been ordered for the son of King Charles, royal expert has highlighted foolish mistake by Harry.

Harry lost his automatic taxpayer-funded security after stepping back from royal duties and relocating to the United States with wife Meghan Markle. Since then he has argued that the lack of protection makes it unsafe for him to bring Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to the UK.

Now, royal expert Jennie Bond told Mirror that Harry's past admissions about his military service in memoir Spare may have heightened the risks he faces.

She said, "I think this is a big win for Harry and the review is what he deserves. He can’t change the fact that he is the King‘s son. He is also a former army officer who has taken part in armed conflict in Afghanistan during two tours of duty."

Adding, "He has, foolishly many would argue, admitted killing 25 Taliban," referring to what he wrote in his memoir Spare.

"That admission must only have made the target already on his back even bigger. So I think he has legitimate concerns about his security - and the risk his family could face if he brings them to the UK," Jennie said. 

"If our eight surviving former Prime Ministers are entitled to a high level of security (in some cases round the clock) then I think Prince Harry has the right to ask why he is not entitled to the same when he is in this country. He offered to pay but that is a non-starter because the Met police are not for hire."

Prince Harry's security dispute has also strained his relationship with father King Charles.

"I think he is sincere when he talks about wanting his children to know and understand their heritage. And he has said publicly that he wants his father and his brother back in his life. That may still be some way off – particularly where William is concerned – but if he can at least feel he can bring his family here safely, there has to be some hope of reconciliation," Jennie Bond said.