Royal Guard Simon Morgan warns Harry & Meghan to vanish amid threats

After their return to the United Kingdom, a former royal protection officer has warned Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to exercise heightened caution amid growing security concerns.

Simon Morgan, who once served as a bodyguard for the royal family in the Metropolitan Police and now runs Trojan Consultancy, told Page Six on Thursday that the threat to the UK and its assets—including the Royal Family—is currently severe.

Morgan stressed that any disruption can exacerbate tensions, urging the couple to remain discreet and unobtrusive in their public engagements. The advice comes as the couple's public appearances resume, raising questions about how they will balance privacy with their ongoing media commitments.

Morgan explained that Harry’s status as a prince and his background as a former military officer who served two operational tours create what he calls "actual risks." He also noted that the Duke publicly discussed killing Taliban fighters in his memoir, a detail that could expose him to genuine security threats.

This perspective reflects Morgan's experience in assessing threats that arise from both personal history and public exposure. being a public figure with a high net worth inherently brings perceived risks to his family, finances and social standing, which in turn heightens overall vulnerability.

, the Sussexes’ visibility over recent years has alienated large sections of the public, producing a range of opinions—mostly negative but also some positive and indifferent voices. The Sussexes' continued visibility in media interviews and charitable events keeps them in the public eye, influencing risk assessments.

He noted that public sentiment alone does not automatically translate into credible threats of physical harm, and that distinguishing between hostility and danger requires careful intelligence assessment.

## Background & Context

The couple left their official royal duties in 2020, relocated to California, and returned to the UK in August last year—six years after their departure. This return also coincided with new media scrutiny, including high‑profile documentaries that revisited their royal tenure.

The couple’s return also coincided with new media scrutiny, including high‑profile documentaries that revisited their royal tenure.

Morgan highlighted that the Sussexes’ security team most likely crafted an operational plan that needs continual evaluation and adaptation.

Such a plan must respond to changes in intelligence, environmental factors, media coverage, the principals involved, and global events—any shift can alter threat levels and necessitate new precautions. Such dynamic environments demand that security protocols be regularly updated to respond to shifting threat landscapes.

## What People Are Saying

After pulling their seven‑year‑old son Prince Archie and five‑year‑old daughter Princess Lilibet from a private school two days after enrollment due to a security risk earlier this week, the Sussexes demonstrated a swift response that likely reduced potential exposure.

The prompt decision to change schools reflects a proactive approach to mitigating potential security vulnerabilities. This action illustrates how quickly security teams can adapt when new information emerges.

Additionally, Morgan noted that Meghan’s personal phone number was reportedly leaked after she joined a WhatsApp group for parents at the new school, compromising her personal security. Such a breach could allow malicious actors to track or contact the Duchess, underscoring the need for tighter controls.

He urged that Meghan’s personal number should never have been shared publicly and that a third‑party service could have protected her contact details. This precaution would reduce the risk of targeted attacks or harassment stemming from leaked information.

Morgan stressed that while high‑profile individuals can maintain a private life, doing so demands substantial time and financial resources. High‑profile public figures often face scrutiny that can turn hostile, amplifying the need for robust security measures.

The higher the public profile, the greater the number of factors to consider and the larger the security budget required—resources that must be continually replenished to address evolving threats. The financial cost of these measures can be significant, especially for families with extensive public engagements.

## What Happens Next

Harry has been seeking taxpayer‑funded police protection in the UK because of his security concerns. He and Meghan left their $14 million Montecito mansion at the end of August, moving back to England amid increasing scrutiny of their public activities.

King Charles III, their father, reminded the public that they remain private citizens after abandoning their working royal roles in 2020. The move back to England also aligns with the Sussexes' desire to be closer to family and support networks.

Their departure from California underscores the shifting priorities in their personal and professional lives.

On Thursday, Harry made his first official appearance since relocating by attending the Invictus Spirit Gala Dinner & Awards at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London. The choice to attend the gala signals a willingness to engage with public causes while maintaining a controlled presence.

The event celebrated wounded veterans and highlighted the Duke’s longstanding commitment to military causes, drawing attention to his continued public engagement. Experts will assess whether the Sussexes' protocols meet industry standards for protecting high‑profile individuals.

Morgan emphasized that the Sussexes’ security plan must continue to evolve, adapting to intelligence updates, environmental shifts, media scrutiny and global events. How these measures unfold remains to be seen, but the couple’s recent actions suggest a proactive stance toward mitigating potential risks.

Both the Sussexes and their advisors are expected to review their security protocols regularly, especially in light of recent incidents. The effectiveness of these measures will likely be assessed by independent experts to ensure compliance with best practices.

With the public and media likely monitoring how the Sussexes balance their personal safety with their ongoing public commitments, Morgan’s remarks highlight that vigilance and adaptive security strategies are key to mitigating evolving threats for high‑profile couples.