A woman identified as a stalker on a fixated persons list sat just feet behind Prince Harry during his High Court privacy trial in London, an incident security experts described as deeply troubling for the Duke of Sussex’s safety.
The woman, who has mental health issues, positioned herself in the public gallery at the Royal Courts of Justice on two separate occasions last week while Prince Harry attended his trial against Associated Newspapers Limited, the publisher of the Daily Mail. His private security team spotted her immediately and alerted court staff, but found themselves unable to take action.
“There is nothing they could do; they are not the police,” a source said. “It’s a public building, and she has a right to be there.”
The concerning proximity came during a $52 million trial in which Harry is among seven high-profile claimants, including Sir Elton John and Liz Hurley, alleging grave breaches of privacy by the newspaper publisher. Harry gave evidence, spending two hours on the witness stand.
During his emotional testimony, Harry said journalists made his wife’s life an “absolute misery,” referring to Meghan Markle.
The stalker’s history with Harry extends well beyond the courtroom. In May 2024, the woman followed Harry to Nigeria. More recently, in September 2025, she managed to enter a secure zone at a London hotel where the prince was attending the WellChild Awards. Security sources confirmed she appeared near him again at the Centre for Blast Injury Studies in West London.
Neil Basu, former head of the UK Counter Terrorism Unit, called the situation “incredibly anxiety-inducing.” Basu emphasized the unpredictable nature of such fixations.
“There are clearly people with fixations, and you can never fully know where that fixation will lead until you’ve assessed that person’s state of mind,” Basu explained. “It might be declarations of undying love, and sending roses, or it might be wanting to cause harm.”
The incidents have heightened concerns about Harry’s security arrangements in the United Kingdom, particularly as he no longer receives automatic police protection. His security was stripped after he and Meghan stepped down as working royals in 2020, a decision Harry has described as difficult to accept.
The timing of the courtroom encounter proved especially significant. In December, the Home Office ordered a security review following Harry’s ongoing legal battles over protection. Harry wrote to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood requesting a formal risk assessment, which is now being conducted by RAVEC, the committee responsible for evaluating threats to royals and public figures.
The assessment represents the first comprehensive review of Harry’s security situation since 2019. That year marked his last official risk assessment before he and Meghan relocated to the United States and relinquished their roles as senior working members of the royal family.
Basu strongly supported the decision to conduct a new evaluation, arguing that Harry’s threat level has likely remained constant or even increased since his last assessment. As one of the most recognizable public figures globally, the prince faces unique security challenges that warrant careful consideration.
The public nature of courtrooms presents particular challenges for protecting high-profile individuals. Unlike private events where guest lists can be controlled, anyone has the legal right to attend court proceedings in the public gallery. This fundamental principle of open justice means security teams cannot simply remove individuals who haven’t committed a crime, even if they appear on watchlists.
For Harry, who has repeatedly expressed concerns about bringing his family to Britain without adequate protection, the courtroom incident underscored the vulnerabilities he faces under current arrangements. His private security personnel, while able to identify threats, lack the authority of law enforcement to take protective action in public spaces.
After completing his testimony, Harry returned to the United States and attended the Sundance Film Festival, where he appeared at the premiere of “Cookie Queens,” a documentary project. The trial continues in London without his physical presence.
The broader context of Harry’s security concerns reflects the complex position he occupies as a former senior royal living abroad. While he no longer performs official duties on behalf of the monarchy, he maintains a high international profile through his charitable work and media projects.
Security experts note that individuals with obsessive fixations can present unpredictable risks. The woman’s ability to repeatedly position herself near Harry across multiple continents and in various settings—from Nigeria to London hotels to courtroom galleries—demonstrates a level of determination that professionals find concerning. The fact that she succeeded in breaching secure zones on at least one occasion further amplifies those worries.
The ongoing privacy trial centers on allegations that Associated Newspapers Limited engaged in unlawful information gathering. Harry’s participation in the case required his physical presence in London, placing him in public spaces where his current security arrangements proved unable to prevent proximity by known individuals on fixated persons lists.
The decision from RAVEC’s new risk assessment could significantly impact Harry’s future visits to Britain and his ability to bring his wife and children to his homeland with confidence in their safety.