The media is abuzz with reports that the protection detail of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, upset celebrities at a recent event.
Specifically, that her detail restricted the movement of other celebrities while she attended the British fashion awards in London last week. TMZ reports that “We’re told several big stars at the awards show – like Kendall Jenner, Rita Ora and the Beckhams – were up in arms about the intense security … because they were denied an audience with [the Duchess of Sussex].”
While TMZ’s report may or may not be accurate, the establishing of cordoned movement bubbles is standard protection procedure. But what’s also true is that her security detail is unusually significant by British standards.
This reflects three factors. First, that she is now a member of the British royal family. Second, that she is American. Third, that she is a celebrity of her own right.
All these factors combine to make her a preferred target for terrorists, psychopaths, and other fixated individuals. In turn, those responsible for her security, the Royalty and Specialist Protection department of the Metropolitan Police’s Protection Command, must resource her protection accordingly. This protection work is also heavily supported by the Metropolitan Police’s Fixated Threat Assessment Center, which is Britain’s counterpart to the U.S. Secret Service’s protective intelligence division. FTAS identifies, monitors, and if necessary, interdicts individuals who are unduly focused on a protectee or high-profile individual.
Yet, the best evidence for her security being greater than usual is that she and Prince Harry are now afforded protective details of a size equal to or greater than the British prime minister. Note the video below in which the royal couple are shown arriving with two unmarked backup vehicles in their motorcade. They will also have been supported by motorcycle outriders from the Metropolitan Police’s Special Escort Group.
Now compare that with this recent video of a motorcade belonging to Prime Minister Theresa May. Note that May only has one unmarked backup vehicle and a marked police vehicle.
To be sure, May will sometimes travel with a larger motorcade as protective intelligence is deemed to require. Both the royals and British politicians will also sometimes have counterterrorism specialist firearms teams (SWAT equivalent) or special forces units attached to their details in periods of heightened concern.
Regardless, it is good that she is being so well-protected. She is unusually important to the future of the British royal family, and British protective security arrangements are sometimes inadequate.
