Newly released National Archives files have revealed Prince Harry was the target of a kidnapping plot during his gap year in Argentina in 2004, leading to a major security shake-up for royal visits abroad.
The incident, which involved gunshots being fired near the then 20-year-old prince’s residence at a polo ranch, prompted an urgent review of royal security protocols.
Cabinet Office records show the visit was officially described as part of Harry’s “ongoing education” when the dramatic events unfolded near Buenos Aires.
The threat came to light after a murder suspect from the local underworld alerted Argentine authorities about a potential kidnapping plot targeting the prince.
The incident centred on the El Remanso polo ranch in Lobos, located 60 miles from Buenos Aires, where Prince Harry was staying during his November 2004 visit.
Security concerns escalated when two shots were fired in the vicinity of the ranch, prompting immediate action from local authorities.
In response to the threat, the Argentine Security Ministry deployed a squad of 15 armed police officers to patrol the perimeter of the El Remanso ranch.
The security situation intensified when police officers were forced to fire warning shots into the air after hearing two shots in the area.
The heightened security measures demonstrated the seriousness with which Argentine authorities treated the potential threat to the young prince’s safety.
Following the incident, a Cabinet Office meeting was convened to review security protocols for Royal Family members travelling abroad.
The meeting specifically ordered that “the Metropolitan Police should where appropriate seek advice on the possible risks of kidnapping in countries being visited by members of the Royal Family.”
The directive came as a direct response to the publicity surrounding the attempted kidnapping of Prince Harry, marking a significant shift in how potential threats to travelling royals would be assessed.
The incident coincided with a separate challenge affecting royal travel arrangements, as RAF aircraft availability became severely limited.
Official records from August 2004 noted that planes from No.32 Squadron at RAF Northolt were “increasingly engaged in theatre on MoD tasks” due to Tony Blair’s military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The shortage forced Royal Family members and ministers to resort to chartering civilian aircraft through brokers.
This alternative arrangement raised concerns due to increased costs and potential security risks, with officials worried about the possibility of terrorist devices being planted on chartered planes.
