GMB's Richard Madeley sparks uproar over 'embarrassing' Prince Harry security remarks

Richard Madeley has come under fire over his remarks about the Duke of Sussex on the latest instalment of Good Morning Britain.

The veteran ITV journalist said: "If [Harry] got what he wanted, would that mean there would be a permanent team of police officers in this country always thinking about his security, being paid to think about his security and waiting... They would be on the payroll full-time, is that what he's asking for?"

The late Princess Diana's bodyguard Ken Wharfe replied: "I think that's exactly what he wants." However, Richard interjected: "It's ridiculous, isn't it?"

Ken added: "His father would have a protection team of at least four people who work on a 24-hour basis, but obviously you cannot have one person working all the time. Because that is what he's used to.

"That is what he is demanding and it's fine if he was here in the United Kingdom, but of course, he isn't as I just said a moment ago."

Ken added: "You have to assess what the real risk and threat to this man is. And my view is that I don't think it's as high as he thinks it is."

He later claimed: "Because of who he is there would be a proper assessment." Ken also suggested the Duke of Sussex would want a personal protection officer and a close protection backup team during his time in the UK.

"Forget what he wants," Richard cut in as Ken reminded viewers about his mother Princess Diana's tragic death in a car accident in August 1997.

Viewers took to Twitter in droves, with one viewer writing: "Richard Madeley and #gmb banging on about Prince Harry again. Give it a rest, boring! Madeley should join his Meghan-hating predecessor Piers Morgan on Torytalk TV."

Meanwhile, Jim asked: "@GMB Are you comfortable having Richard Madeley hosting your show, who can not hide his hate, who clearly can not be objective when it comes to Prince Harry, it's embarrassing."

Janette added: "Here we go again. Another opportunity for @GMB to attack Meghan and Harry. Harry was willing to pay for his own security. @ayeshahazarika, thank you for refusing to join in with the hatefest."

Kelly warned: "God forbid something happens to Prince Harry or his family. Read when Diana died all these people were blaming each other regarding her protection. Richard Madeley doesn't understand there are unhinged people who will literally hurt Harry his wife and children."

Teresa added: "Please get Richard Madeley off #Gmb he’s an embarrassment, just awful!"

Defending Richard, one viewer said: "Ken & Richard make valid points though. Harry chose to walk away from Royal life. He always knew what the consequences of that would be. He can't expect to dip in & out of the country whenever he feels like it and expect taxpayers to foot the bill for his security to see his family."

Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays between 6am and 9am on ITV and ITVX.