AL QAEDA CELL TARGETS PRINCE HARRY

PRINCE Harry is being targeted by an al-Qaeda cell—forcing his personal security to be raised to the same level as the QUEEN’S.

Specific intelligence of a threat to the 23-year-old royal has been passed by British spies to Scotland Yard’s elite Royal and Diplomatic Protection Department, the News of the World can reveal.

In response, Harry’s armed bodyguards have stepped up his security level to its highest ever degree.

The threat is considered so serious that his four-man personal protection team now carry out advance checks of ALL Harry’s destinations—private and public—as well as shadowing his every move.

Army

They are working with Army intelligence and Harry’s regiment, the Blues and Royals, where he is a lieutenant.

Until now, Scotland Yard officers would simply accompany him on the day.

A senior security source told us: “In the last two weeks there has been specific intelligence of a threat to Prince Harry.

“Of course, given the source and the Prince’s status as a serving Army officer who has seen active service in Afghanistan, it is being treated seriously. Every precaution is being taken.”

Harry is determined not to curtail his private life unless absolutely necessary. But he and William have been advised that visits to nightclubs—such as his London favourites Boujis and Mahiki—should be “limited”.

When Harry was interviewed in Afghanistan, he said of his stint there: “Once this comes out, every single person that supports them will be trying to slot me.”

The Prince killed up to 30 of the enemy on his frontline Afghan tour by directing no less than three air strikes on the Taliban rebels. It emerged he also manned a heavy machinegun to trade fire with insurgents who attacked his base.

Threats

But Harry has become a focus of terror groups since his Army exploits became public.

Websites supporting exiled hate cleric Omar Bakri posted threats against him.

One message crowed: “May Allah give him what he deserves —like his fellow crusaders.”

Harry is currently on holiday in Africa with girlfriend Chelsy Davy, 22, and the latest threat will undoubtedly raise questions over her security too. Similar concerns apply over Prince William’s long-term girlfriend Kate Middleton, widely tipped as the next royal bride.

A security source said: “When she is out with William she is assigned a member of the Scotland Yard team. It gives her a flavour of what it’s like—with a view to permanent protection should an engagement follow.”

* INTELLIGENCE chiefs yesterday denied reports that Osama Bin Laden’s right-hand man Ayman al-Zawahiri had been killed in a missile strike.

Pakistan and US officials had “no information” the al-Qaeda No2 was among six Taliban killed in a Pakistani tribal area.

robert.jobson@notw.co.uk