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'I was security for the royals - here's the thing King Charles should worry about'
Reach Daily Express | April 27, 2026 11:40 PM CST

A former Head of Royal Protection, Dai Davies, has revealed the one security detail King Charles should worry about ahead of his state visit to the US. On Monday morning (April 27), the monarch and Queen Camilla will soon land in Washington DC, where they will be greeted by Donald Trump. Charles and Camilla, 77 and 78, have already been in touch with the US president to share their sympathies after a suspected assassination attempt on him at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

A palace spokesman said they were "greatly relieved" that Trump and First Lady Melania were unharmed - and confirmed their four-day trip to America is still going ahead as planned. Now, GB News has welcomed a former member of royal security onto the programme to give Brits insight into where the weaknesses in their security protocols lie.

Alexander Armstrong pointed out: "This is going to be a moment of extreme security, perhaps even more so than before. In some funny ways, perhaps this is the safest possible moment for the King to travel to the United States."

Mr Davies agreed, adding: "Yes, you're probably right. I think this whole situation will have reinforced the need to look outside the box, and that's the danger sometimes: we go through procedures we've always done.

"And one of the key things in any environment is you look at that environment, and I've often said it's like an onion, you put layers in, but there are questions to be asked about those layers."

The senior security member went on to reveal that the security measures at the White House were particularly poor on the night of the attack, which highlighted areas for improvement ahead of the royal visit.

He went on: "I heard an ex-secret service member saying this was the outer perimeter, and it was like a door to a castle. With huge respect, a door is there to stop what precisely happened, and there wasn't any other than human contingency to stop him from rushing.

"I appreciate that he was stopped, and he was very lucky he wasn't killed. But I think it's right and proper that the investigation looks at the planning, because if you don't plan, sometimes some things go horribly wrong.

"This man was able to point and shoot a Secret Service agent, and it's only thanks to whatever that he didn't carry on doing worse." The expert went on to reveal what areas he would be looking at improving if he were the head of security for the White House.

He began: "I appreciate that he was on one floor above, but if it were one of mine, I would have a very serious look at the whole aspect and the planning that went into securing that key area. I'd also be looking at their contingency plans for how they got various people out. I think that needed looking at as well."

It was at this point that the broadcaster asked what his top priorities would be for the Royal household, to which he swiftly replied: "Clearly, his safety and the Queen's safety [are the most important], and those accompanying along with the public and those involved in the whole aspect."

He added: "The whole criteria for this and all the planning that would have gone into it would have taken months and months. Officers from the Royal Protection would be out there, and they work very well with the Secret Service.

"Despite some of the issues, particularly in respect of Trump, where he was nearly killed the last time, questions surely must be asked, and lessons must be learned. Sometimes those lessons need to be hammered home to those doing the job, and if they fail to do that job in whatever shape or form, then they would no longer be in that role.

"I take it very seriously, and anyone who lets the side down, and if that side was a lack of planning and a lack of preparation, then those responsible should face the consequences. There's too much, 'It's somebody else's fault', and I won't have it."

The monarch's four-day trip will start with a private tea at the White House this afternoon. Geraldine, an acclaimed author, said there are two protocols Trump, 79, will be expected to get right.

She told us: "Strict protocols also apply at state functions where guests wear formal attire, and the heads of state are seated together at the top table." As for the second, she added: "Gifts are another important ceremonial feature and should carry a message of goodwill.

"It will be interesting to see what the King and the president give to each other. During Queen Elizabeth's state visit in July 1976, she presented President Ford with a soup tureen featuring a painted image of the White House, and in return, she received a bronze statue of Harry Jackson of cowboy Calyton Danks astride his horse Steamboat.


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