The accidental disclosure of Prince Harry's scheduled appearance at the Invictus Games' 10th anniversary service at St. Paul's Cathedral on May 8th has raised security concerns and potentially jeopardized his attendance, according to insiders cited by The Daily Express. Prince Harry's team had emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality regarding the exact date of his appearance due to security concerns in the United Kingdom.
The revelation of the service details on the St. Paul's Cathedral official website has heightened fears, particularly in light of disclosures made in the Duke of Sussex's memoir, where he discussed his military service, including combat experiences in Afghanistan.
Harry is aware of the potential risks to his security, especially considering the sensitive information he shared in his memoir. The source stated that's why his team was adamant about keeping his whereabouts on a need-to-know basis. In the past, there have been last-minute announcements for Harry's appearances in the UK for security reasons. The fact that St. Paul's has published the exact time and date of the event he is due to attend on their official website weeks in advance is seen as a serious security risk. Last week, express.co.uk exclusively revealed that Harry was scheduled to attend the service at St. Paul's Cathedral on May 8th, although the event remains unlisted on the official website.
Keen observers discovered its inclusion in the service schedule page from April 14th to May 11th. The source mentioned that schedules are usually published around six weeks in advance, but events are typically announced in a more visible section of the website, which hasn't been done yet. Even the United States president has a public schedule with specific dates and times. Many events attended by the working royals, including the king and the prince of Wales, have clear time and date listings.
The source also highlighted that Harry's team needs to address the fact that he sometimes confuses his own concerns with actual security issues. It seems he is seeking full police protection and the ability to stay on Crown property to enhance his importance and solidify his connection to the monarchy. If he doesn't receive these privileges, it could serve as an excuse for him to stay home while blaming the palace, the press, and other people. However, Harry is not a king, prime minister, president, or significant military personnel. He is a grown man who should bear the responsibility of his own protection or choose not to attend.
It's possible he does not want to come because he is afraid of facing negative crowds outside St. Paul's, and this situation provides him with a convenient way out. He might complain and claim that it's a plot by his brother William to take over Instagram or that he has been disinvited, allowing him to decide on the reason for his absence.
The organizers of the Invictus Games must be tired of dealing with the disruptive hype that this couple brings, as it detracts from the true significance of the event. Recently, Prince Harry lost a high court challenge against the government over the downgrading of his security status when he ceased to be a working royal. He argued that he had been treated unfairly regarding changes to his police protection, despite facing ongoing security threats. He is currently appealing the court's ruling that there was nothing unlawful in these security decisions.
