In a shocking revelation, newly released National Archives files have shown that Prince Harry was almost kidnapped during his gap year in Argentina, leading to a significant security scare.
The incident, which occurred in November 2004, prompted the British government to enhance security measures for future royal visits.
Gunshots Fired During Abduction Scare
At just 20 years old, Prince Harry was caught up in an alarming kidnapping attempt while staying at a polo ranch in Lobos, located about 60 miles from Buenos Aires.
According to the Cabinet Office records, the security situation escalated when gunshots were fired during the incident.
This led the Argentine government to quickly deploy 15 armed police officers to secure the El Remanso ranch, where the prince was staying.
The officers reportedly fired shots into the air after hearing two gunshots in the vicinity.
Increased Security Measures and Royal Visit Protocols
Following the scare, security concerns for royal visits were reassessed.
A Cabinet Office meeting the following week addressed the potential risks of kidnapping during royal trips, urging the Metropolitan Police to consult experts on the security of future visits by members of the Royal Family.
At the same time, officials raised concerns about a shortage of RAF aircraft available for such royal and ministerial visits due to the demands of the ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
RAF Shortage and the Risks of Chartering Planes
The files also revealed that the British government was facing logistical challenges in providing proper aircraft for high-profile visits.
As RAF planes were increasingly diverted to support military missions, the royal family and government ministers were left with no choice but to charter civilian planes for their travels.
However, this solution brought its own set of security risks, including the potential for terrorists to plant devices on the planes.
More Revelations from the National Archives
Additionally, the release of these files from the National Archives sheds light on various political events, such as Bob Geldof’s outspoken criticism of African leaders.
Geldof, known for his campaign to raise awareness about Africa’s poverty, described the continent’s leaders as “very weak” while lobbying for Tony Blair to take a more active role in boosting aid to Africa.