Prince Harry has reportedly accused a senior UK security official of failing to pass on information about an alleged Al Qaeda threat against him to his own security team or US authorities — reigniting his bitter battle over taxpayer-funded protection just as he, Meghan Markle and their children return to Britain.
The Duke of Sussex is understood to have raised the allegation in a letter sent earlier this month to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, asking her to personally intervene in the long-running dispute over whether his family should receive police protection while in the UK.
The development comes just days after Harry, Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, returned to Britain after six years living in the United States.
Prince Harry at the High Court in a legal battle over his security last year (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Harry’s Legal Team Raises 2023 Al Qaeda Threat
According to reports in The Sunday Times, Harry’s legal team has alleged that the head of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, known as Ravec, was aware of an Al Qaeda threat made in 2023 but did not pass the information to Harry’s security personnel or authorities in America, where the Sussexes were living at the time.
Ravec is responsible for making individual protective-security decisions involving key public figures, including members of the Royal Family. The committee includes representatives from the Home Office, Metropolitan Police and Royal Household and advises an independent chairperson.
The allegations have emerged as Harry continues his campaign to secure greater protection for himself, Meghan and their children during visits to Britain.
The Mirror has contacted Ravec for comment.
Harry and Meghan have moved back to the UK with their children (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The Duke Has Faced Multiple Terror Threats
Harry’s legal concerns come against a backdrop of numerous reported threats and plots involving terrorist groups and their supporters.
It is understood that at least six threats or plots concerning the Duke have been linked to the Taliban, Al Qaeda or their supporters since 2007.
In late 2023, intelligence was reportedly passed to the FBI through Five Eyes — the intelligence-sharing alliance between Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and US — concerning an Al Qaeda document that referenced the “assassination” of Harry.
The Duke has also faced threats dating back to his military service.
In 2012, a Taliban spokesman reportedly announced an operation to kill or kidnap Harry, while in 2010 there were threats to shoot down his Apache helicopter and capture him if he returned to Afghanistan.
Earlier this year, ITV reported that a security assessment commissioned by Harry’s private security company detailed dozens of threats and potential attacks against the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The report was subsequently sent to Ravec.
Harry lost a legal battle against the Home Office over the security arrangements for him and his family while in the UK(Image: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images)
Harry Says His Family Faces an “International Threat”
The latest allegations are particularly significant because Harry has repeatedly argued that his family faces an unusually serious security risk.
The former soldier, who served two tours in Afghanistan, has previously claimed that he faces a greater threat than his late mother, Princess Diana, citing what he described as additional risks involving racism and extremism.
He has also warned of an “international threat” to his family and previously highlighted calls from Al Qaeda for him to be killed.
A summary of evidence heard privately during Harry’s 2025 appeal revealed that the Duke had requested protection after receiving a terrorist threat.
According to the document, Harry had confirmed that he requested specific protection after a threat was made against him by Al Qaeda.
In written submissions during the appeal, Harry’s barrister Shaheed Fatima KC also argued that Ravec had ruled in 2020 that there was no basis for publicly funded security support for Harry and Meghan within Great Britain.
Fatima said that after the decision, Al Qaeda called for Harry to be murdered and that his security team was informed about a document published by the group which referred to his assassination.
Harry served two tours of duty in Afghanistan(Image: PA)
Harry Still Does Not Know His Latest Risk Assessment
The latest dispute follows a long-running legal battle between Harry and the Home Office over his security arrangements.
Harry lost his challenge concerning the decision to change his level of publicly funded protection after he stepped back from his role as a working royal.
A new risk assessment ordered by Ravec was reportedly carried out at the end of July. However, Harry is said not to know the outcome.
That uncertainty has taken on renewed significance now that the Sussexes have returned to Britain with their two children.
The couple remain non-working royals after stepping down from royal duties six years ago and relocating to the United States, where they have publicly discussed their experiences within the Royal Family and the institution.
Will UK Taxpayers Pay for Harry’s Security?
The question of who should pay for Harry and Meghan’s security is likely to become increasingly contentious as the couple reportedly prepare to spend an extended period in Britain.
The Cotswolds have been widely suggested as a possible destination for the family, although Harry and Meghan have not publicly confirmed their long-term plans.
They have also yet to explain whether their return represents a permanent move or a temporary stay.
The Home Office has declined to provide details about the couple’s security arrangements.
A spokesperson said the UK’s protective-security system is “rigorous and proportionate” and that the Government does not disclose detailed information because doing so could compromise security.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has previously declined to discuss the Sussexes’ arrangements, describing the funding question as a private matter.
For Harry, however, the issue is far more than a question of money. His legal team continues to argue that the threats facing him and his family make adequate protection essential — while the Government maintains that security decisions must remain confidential.
Now, with Harry and Meghan back on British soil and an alleged Al Qaeda threat at the centre of his latest argument, the bitter security dispute shows little sign of disappearing.
