Daily Express

You can’t be a terrorist ...you are much too old Tough airport security checks are waived for over-75s

Revealed...Harry’s pal who set up blind date with Meghan

- By Gillian Crawley By Mark Reynolds

SECURITY chiefs at New York’s JFK airport have downgraded routine checks on older travellers in order to concentrat­e on “passengers who more likely pose a risk”, it has emerged.

Passenger Terry Mansfield, who is in his 70s, was surprised to be told that he did not need to remove his shoes while passing through airport security.

Though willing and able to comply with all checks Mr Mansfield, a former director of the UK arm of the US publishing giant Hearst, and who remains a consultant with the corporatio­n, was assured there was no need.

A spokesman for the Transporta­tion Security Administra­tion, which governs surveillan­ce at airports and other points of entry, said the policy was as a result of risk-based, intelligen­ce-driven research.

This, he said, allowed them to better focus efforts on suspicious passengers while expediting the screening process for those deemed to be less of a risk. The policy applies to all major US airports.

“Travellers that appear 75 years old and older may leave SHE is the secret matchmaker who millions of royal fans would no doubt like to thank.

For long-time friend of Prince Harry, Violet von Westenholz, has been unmasked as the cupid who first set up his blind date with Meghan Markle in July 2016.

Violet, a fashion public relations executive, has kept out of the limelight since then, but friends of the couple have now confirmed her identity.

Violet, 33, is the daughter of former Olympic skier Baron their shoes and light jackets on when going through the security checkpoint,” said the spokesman.

However, if an alarm sounds during the screening process officers are obliged to stop the person proceeding any further until all suspicion is lifted.

The traveller may undergo a pat-down search or the controvers­ial full body scanner.

“Those passengers that aren’t able to stand, will be screened through others methods which may include a test for traces of explosives and/or a pat down while seated,” added the spokesman. The Piers von Westenholz, who is a close personal friend of Harry’s father, the Prince of Wales.

She was a childhood friend of Harry’s and worked with Meghan as a press relations director for Ralph Lauren in 2016. It was during this time she set up their blind date.

After romance blossomed between the pair, both Harry and Meghan were reticent about revealing their secret Department for Transport is responsibl­e for the security of UK airports, where there is restrictio­ns on liquids and the need to remove shoes, belts and coats or jackets before passing through a scanner or being scanned by a security officer using a hand-held device.

Some selected downs.

The DoT policies are implemente­d at each airport by the airport security staff and security procedures may vary from airport to airport.

Manchester Airport said all passengers at random for matchmaker, but sources have admitted it was Violet who brought them together.

One said: “When Harry told Violet he was having trouble finding someone, Violet said she might just have the perfect girl for him.”

Publicly, Violet who was once linked with singer James Blunt, has refused to confirm or deny whether or not she was the mystery cupid.

“I am just happy they are really happy,” she said. are pat travellers were subject to the same security rules and screening as set out by the DoT.

A Heathrow spokespers­on said safety and security was its top priority. “Processes to ensure this may require passengers to remove their shoes as part of our security screening programmes.”

For those who need “assistance is provided”.

Glasgow Airport said: “Security searches are adapted on an individual basis where required. For a passenger with reduced mobility, an alternativ­e method of screening would be deployed.” it,

 ?? Picture: DOMINIC O’NEILL ?? Violet von Westenholz unmasked as Royal couple’s mystery cupid Officials at New York’s JFK, right, excused Mr Mansfield, above, from the full security process Blind date ... Harry and Meghan
Picture: DOMINIC O’NEILL Violet von Westenholz unmasked as Royal couple’s mystery cupid Officials at New York’s JFK, right, excused Mr Mansfield, above, from the full security process Blind date ... Harry and Meghan

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