A white Muslim convert plotted to disarm a royal bodyguard and use the gun to kill Prince Harry in an attack he called Operation Regal. Ashraf Islam, 31, formerly known as Mark Townley, confessed to authorities he had "advanced plans" to kill the Prince the day after he was arrested in May. Islam was held the day after Drummer Lee Rigby was slaughtered on the streets of Woolwich, and said the fourth in line to the throne "had blood on his hands" after two tours of duty in Afghanistan.
Islam spent 10 days in Thailand building up his fitness, carrying out research on the internet and perfecting his plans, before flying to London to carry out the attack. But he began to feel "scared and nervous" and walked into a west London police station, where he confessed the murder plot.
He pleaded guilty to one count of making a threat to kill when he appeared before magistrates on May 25, two days after giving himself up.
A prosecutor said Islam told a police officer he had spent time watching soldiers on Horse Guards Parade "and planned to disarm an officer whilst disguised as a tourist rather than bringing a gun into London".
A document found on Islam's computer said: "Aim for target. No civilians to be injured. Dress code is the biker look. Use low calibre pistol at close range. Not to be viewed as Islamist extremist."
Islam told the officers he did not agree with the killing of Drummer Rigby, who was hacked to death by two Islamic extremists, because the soldier was "a soft target". He said he believed hurting people was wrong but, "Prince Harry had chosen his path and had blood on his hands for power and profit."