POLICE failed to assess the kidnap risks of Prince Harry’s gap year trip to South America, newly-released National Archives documents show.

The Duke of Sussex, now 40, was targeted during a stay at a ranch in Argentina in 2004 before he joined the military.

1

Prince Harry pictured in 2004Credit: PA
Revealing minutes from the Official Group on the Security of Royal and Ministerial Visits Overseas in 2004 show that the trip had been deemed low risk.

This despite the young Prince almost being taken by crooks.

The prince flew home early from the trip after an Argentinian newspaper reported that a criminal had told of a plot to snatch the royal while he visited a late bar.

During a meeting on December 9 2004, the group considered: “Given the recent publicity about the possible kidnapping threat to Prince Harry, the MPS should where appropriate, seek advice from posts on the possible risks of kidnapping in countires being visited by members of the Royal Family and senior Government ministers.

“The Committee – Took note, with approval, of the Chairman’s summing up of their discussion and invited Departments and Agencies to proceed accordingly.”

Earlier correspondence from the Official Group on the Security of Royal and Ministerial Visits Overseas shows that the visit was assessed by the group.

It said: “This visit was part of the Prince’s ongoing education.

“A reconnaissance visit had been completed and revealed nothing untoward.”