Stalking Incidents on the Rise for the Royal Family
Recent reports indicate a concerning trend regarding the safety of the British royal family, with a documented increase in stalking incidents. According to information from The Mirror, there has been an 11 percent rise in such cases over the past three years, marking an alarming escalation in threats targeting royal family members.
Threat Assessment and Security Concerns
The report highlights that nearly 500 individuals have been identified as potential threats to the royal family. Of these, 35 individuals are considered to pose the most significant risk, as reported by the Metropolitan Police’s Fixated Threat Assessment Centre.
“Unfortunately, there will always be deranged individuals who want to harm the royal family,” said Dai Davies, a former chief of royal protection at the Met Police. “The difficult task is identifying those with the means and determination to act.”
Monitoring Potential Threats
The Royalty and Specialist Protection Team of the Metropolitan Police is tasked with safeguarding the royal family. Ongoing threats lead to continual surveillance of individuals exhibiting erratic behavior. Davies noted that some stalkers are intensely focused on reaching their royal targets, to the extent that they provide personal identifying information when communicating with them.
- Approximately 50 to 100 individuals are under close monitoring due to potential risks they might pose.
- Many monitored individuals may struggle with mental health issues, complicating the challenge for law enforcement.
Historical Context of Security Breaches
The royal family has faced threats for decades, with notable incidents including Princess Anne’s survival of a kidnapping attempt in 1974 and an alarming intrusion where Queen Elizabeth encountered an intruder in her own bedroom in 1982. Most recently, there were incidents at Windsor Castle, including a man with a crossbow in 2021 and a priest-impersonating intruder in 2022.
Recent Incidents Highlighting Security Challenges
In November 2023, the Windsor Estate experienced a theft involving masked intruders targeting vehicles near the residence of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Additionally, Prince Andrew’s home, known as Royal Lodge, faced an intrusion when a woman entered the property claiming to have a lunch appointment with the Duke of York.
Ongoing Security Measures
Despite heightened security protocols, concerns remain regarding the potential for other individuals to pose threats without being identified. According to Davies, there may be unseen dangers that elude monitoring efforts, leaving officers with ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of the royal family.
