In 2004, Prince Harry took a gap year after finishing school, and before he joined the military. He worked on a ranch in Queensland, Australia, spent time in Lesotho in Africa, where he forged lifelong friendships, and he briefly traveled to Argentina. However, the Duke of Sussex's Argentinian stay was cut short when an alleged kidnapping plot was uncovered, as revealed by files from the National Archives.
In November 2004, Prince Harry was staying on a polo ranch in Lobos, Argentina as part of his gap year. Unfortunately, Harry's visit to the country took a turn when the "Argentine government was apparently alerted to the kidnap threat by a murder suspect in the local underworld," the Daily Mail reported. According to the outlet, the then-20-year-old royal found himself in the middle of "an abduction scare in which gun shots were fired," which sounds, frankly, terrifying.
The then-20-year-old royal found himself in the middle of "an abduction scare in which gun shots were fired."
Luckily, the response to the kidnapping plot involving Prince Harry was swift. "The Security Ministry responded by sending a squad of 15 armed police officers to patrol the perimeter of the El Remanso ranch, and they fired shots into the air after two shots were heard being fired in the area," the Daily Mail reported.
The British government officially responded, saying, "Given the recent publicity about the possible kidnapping threat to Prince Harry, the Metropolitan Police should where appropriate seek advice on the possible risks of kidnapping in countries being visited by members of the Royal Family."
It was also revealed that there weren't always Royal Air Force aircraft available for royals to use during official visits, which only contributed to potential security risks, per the Daily Mail. This was reportedly on account of British Prime Minister Tony Blair's decision to send troops to Iraq and Afghanistan at the time. As a result, the Royal Family allegedly chartered "civilian aircraft via a broker," which left them open to potential security breaches.
Thankfully, the alleged abduction plot was thwarted, and Prince Harry returned home safely following his gap year.
-
Prince William Could be Getting a New Title Very Soon Following Exciting NewsThe Prince of Wales would be taking on a very important role.
-
The Best Spring 2025 Color Trends Are on Sale at NordstromFrom cherry red to butter yellow, here are the delectable shades to wear this season.
-
Khloé Kardashian Finds It "Insulting" When Kendall and Kylie Are Called Her Half-SistersIn fact, she "despises" it.
-
Luxembourg's Royal Family Reveals Prince Frederik Has Died From a Rare Disease at Age 22"Frederik's last question to me...was: 'Papa, are you proud of me?'"
-
Prince Harry Proves He's a Total Girl Dad in Sweet New Photo of Daughter Princess LilibetLilibet is curled up in her dad's lap in the previously unseen snap.
-
Why Royal Fans Think Kate Middleton Was Snubbed in the Royal Family's International Women's Day PostMeanwhile, the Princess of Wales shared a message about "resilience" and "strength."
-
Prince Harry Makes a Brief but Meaningful Appearance in Netflix's 'With Love, Meghan'The Duke of Sussex requests a mimosa as he supports wife Meghan Markle at an important event.
-
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Celebrate Meghan Markle's New Netflix Show With an Amazing GiftThe little royals paid tribute to their mom's success in the sweetest way.
-
Prince Harry Reveals His Favorite Thing About Raising Lilibet and Archie in CaliforniaThe Duke of Sussex shared the one thing he can do in the U.S. "without any issue."
-
Prince Harry Shares One Thing He's "Never" Done as a Royal During Surprise Visit"As a man who was born into a life of service, I recognize that with power and a platform comes responsibility."
-
Former Royal Aide Says It's Been "Hard and Sad" to Witness Prince William and Prince Harry's Alleged Rift"They achieved a lot together, and none of that can ever be taken away."
