Susanna Reid Erupts on GMB Over Prince Harry's Security Controversy
Susanna Reid unleashed her fury on Good Morning Britain, confronting her co-presenter over the shocking lack of police protection for Prince Harry during his upcoming UK visit.
Returning to the show after weeks away for a "special project," Reid joined Ed Balls to tackle the day's headlines, but the discussion quickly spiraled into a heated argument about the Duke of Sussex's security.
Harry is set to travel to the UK alone, leaving behind Meghan Markle and their children, a decision that has raised eyebrows amid concerns for his safety.
The Mirror reported that the family would not receive taxpayer-funded police protection, a ruling that left Reid incensed. "I think it’s shocking. I don’t understand why he is not given protection in England," she stated emphatically.
Kevin Maguire, a regular panelist, countered her outrage with skepticism. "They make a security assessment and the assessment is clearly that no one is going to try and shoot him or his family," he asserted.
Reid pressed back, questioning the validity of that assessment. "Do we know that?" she challenged, to which Maguire replied, "Well, yes because otherwise he’d have protection." He argued that Harry was returning to a country where gun violence is not prevalent.
Reid shot back, highlighting the threats Harry and Meghan have received. "He’s in a country where he knows that he has been sent threats and particularly Meghan. Why would we take the risk? He’s the son of the King," she insisted.
Kwasi Kwarteng chimed in, suggesting Harry was trying to have it both ways by stepping back from royal duties yet still expecting royal-level security. Reid interjected, "Doesn’t mean he’s not under threat, Kwasi... We’re talking about protecting a life."
Ed Balls noted that Harry is used to armed protection in the US but would need to rely on the Metropolitan Police for similar security in the UK, which requires an assessment process.
Maguire pointed out that 40% of the UK population does not own guns, contrasting it with America, where gun ownership is rampant. He downplayed Harry's risk level compared to other public figures like the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who lacks armed protection.
Reid remained unconvinced, stating, "I don’t understand why anyone would take the risk. Imagine if the worst happened," leaving Maguire visibly perplexed.
Maguire retorted, "You can imagine the worst happening to 65, 66 million people in Britain who are more vulnerable and don’t have any of his protection. I mean, come on." He concluded that Harry was either "incredibly precious or horribly paranoid" about his safety.
He further expressed indifference towards Harry's family not accompanying him, saying, "I’m not going to lose any sleep over them not all coming." Maguire dismissed the notion that taxpayers should provide extensive protection simply because Harry feels at risk.
