Former Royal Bodyguard Discusses the Multifaceted Security Threats Facing the Royal Family
The royal family, being among the most closely observed figures globally, inherently faces numerous security challenges. A former royal family bodyguard, Simon Morgan, recently shared insights into the complexities of protecting such high-profile individuals, especially in light of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step back from royal duties in 2020.
This move led to a ‘downgrade’ in their official security detail, prompting them to arrange for their private security measures in the United States. Despite their altered status, the risk of threats remains persistent. In a discussion with LadBible, Morgan delved into the nature of threats faced by the royal family, asserting that it’s challenging to single out the most significant threat.
He emphasized that the array of threats comes with varied implications, with the most dire being the risk of an individual intent on causing lethal harm to a royal family member. Morgan highlighted that aside from direct threats to life, the royal family is also a target for individuals aiming to leverage the extensive media coverage associated with the royals to propagate their causes.
He pointed out groups such as anti-monarchists or environmental activists like Just Stop Oil as examples of those who might exploit a royal event to draw attention to their agendas. The actions of such demonstrators, Morgan noted, could closely mimic those of a terrorist, especially when they make sudden movements towards the royals, potentially to unveil a protest banner.
In such moments, the uncertainty about the demonstrator’s intentions poses a significant challenge for security personnel, who must rapidly assess the threat level and respond appropriately. Morgan further elaborated on the immense pressure faced by armed officers responsible for making split-second decisions in such high-stakes situations, underscoring the potential for severe consequences if a misjudgment occurs. He stressed the importance of continuous adaptation and vigilance in the ever-evolving landscape of security threats to ensure the royal family’s protection.
An illustrative example of a past security incident involved King Charles, who, during a visit to Australia three decades ago, was subjected to what appeared to be an assassination attempt. David Kang fired two blank shots at Charles from a starting pistol while the prince was on stage. Remarkably, Charles displayed remarkable composure during the incident, earning commendation for his unflustered reaction as captured in footage that has resurfaced on TikTok.
Despite initial concerns, authorities later clarified that the incident did not constitute an attempted assassination. Kang was found guilty of threatening unlawful violence and received a sentence of 500 hours of community service, highlighting the diverse range of security challenges faced by the royal family.