Prince Harry’s Legal Challenge for U.K. Police Protection Denied in High Court Ruling
In a significant legal development, Prince Harry experiences a setback as the High Court upholds the U.K. government’s decision to strip away automatic police protection for the Duke of Sussex and his family. The ruling follows Harry’s attempt to overturn the decision made in February 2020, shortly after stepping back from official royal duties with Meghan Markle.
The High Court judge, Peter Lane, supported the government’s decision, stating, “The court has found that there has not been any unlawfulness in reaching the decision of 28 February 2020.” Despite Harry’s concerns for the safety of his family, including wife Meghan and their two children, the court found no procedural unfairness in the decision-making process.
In response to the ruling, a legal spokesperson for Prince Harry announced an intention to appeal, emphasizing the Duke’s pursuit of fair and lawful application of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC)’s rules. The spokesperson highlighted a failure to apply RAVEC’s written policy to Prince Harry in 2020 and argued against the so-called ‘bespoke process.’
Prince Harry, now 39, had previously offered to cover the costs of security, but the bid was rejected. In December 2023, Harry’s lawyers argued against the decision, emphasizing the need for police security to make his children feel at home when visiting the U.K.
“I can’t put my wife in danger like that, and given my experiences in life, I’m reluctant to unnecessarily put myself in harm’s way too,” Harry had stated in the High Court.
The ongoing legal battle holds personal significance for Prince Harry, with the U.K. being his home and central to the heritage of his children. The court’s decision is a blow to his efforts to ensure the safety of his family when on U.K. soil.
As the Duke of Sussex awaits justice from the Court of Appeal, the tension between royal privileges, security concerns, and legal processes continues. The outcome of the appeal could shape the future arrangements for Prince Harry’s security during visits to the U.K., impacting the broader narrative of royal life in the post-Megxit era.
In a significant legal development, Prince Harry experiences a setback as the High Court upholds the U.K. government’s decision to strip away automatic police protection for the Duke of Sussex and his family. The ruling follows Harry’s attempt to overturn the decision made in February 2020, shortly after stepping back from official royal duties with…