Prince Harry has recently experienced a setback in his ongoing legal battle against the British government regarding his publicly funded security while in Britain. This legal struggle centers around the removal of automatic police protection typically granted to members of the royal family, a privilege that was rescinded after he stepped back from his official royal duties and relocated abroad in 2020.
In February of last year, Harry faced a defeat in the initial stage of this legal case. Undeterred, he appealed the ruling at the Court of Appeal, which delivered its decision last Friday. During a recent two-day hearing, Harry's barristers argued that the removal of security left him with “inferior treatment,” which jeopardized his safety, as well as that of his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children.
Harry's legal team contended that the decision to withdraw the customary level of protection for royals was unlawful and constituted a violation of official policy. The ruling was made by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, commonly referred to as Ravec. This committee is composed of government officials, police representatives, and members of the royal household.
The legal challenge initiated by Harry in September 2021 revealed that he had offered to “reimburse or proactively finance the cost of the security measures” he required. However, Ravec deemed this proposal inappropriate “in principle.” The committee expressed concerns that allowing private payments could diminish the availability of the limited pool of close protection officers in Britain, a country where police do not routinely carry firearms and undergo extensive specialized training for such roles.
In 2023, Harry faced another legal setback when a High Court judge dismissed his challenge regarding the funding decision. The case was further complicated when another judge dismissed his arguments on broader grounds in February 2024. Although Harry was granted permission to appeal three months later, this was limited to legal points concerning whether Ravec had breached its own policy.
Throughout the duration of this legal battle, Harry has made several trips to Britain, including attending the funeral of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and the coronation of his father, King Charles III. Each visit necessitated applications to the committee for public protection, which are now evaluated on a case-by-case basis, often requiring the use of private security due to the lack of formal protection.
In addition to his ongoing security case, Harry is also engaged in a separate legal battle against the publisher of the Daily Mail, alongside other high-profile celebrities. This case alleges unlawful information gathering regarding their personal lives. A two-day hearing for this matter is scheduled for next week.
This situation is still unfolding, and updates regarding Prince Harry's legal battles are expected to develop further. Please check back for the latest information.
