Prince Harry's Appeal for Increased U.K. Security Protection Denied by High Court

Prince Harry Loses Bid to Appeal High Court Ruling Over Level of U.K. Security Protection

Prince Harry. Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images

Prince Harry's efforts to enhance his security in the UK have faced a new development. The Duke of Sussex, aged 39, recently had his first attempt to appeal the UK High Court's decision on the security level he can have while visiting his home country denied. Despite this setback, he still has the option to directly challenge the ruling. Additionally, he has been instructed to cover 90 percent of the legal costs incurred by the Home Office in defending against his appeal.

The law firm Schillings informed We in a statement on Monday, April 15 that the Duke of Sussex will be asking the Court of Appeal for permission to challenge Mr. Justice Lane's decision.

Harry had stated his intention to appeal the ruling after High Court Judge Peter Lane decided in February that the British government can determine the security provided to non-working royals in the U.K.

In a 51-page ruling, Lane determined that the decision made by Ravec was fair and not unreasonable.

A spokesperson for Prince Harry stated that he will appeal the judgment that denied his judicial review claim against Ravec, which consists of the Home Office, the Royal Household, and the Met Police.

Harry is simply asking for fair treatment at Ravec, following the company's own rules to ensure he is treated equally to others.

Prince Harry Loses Bid to Appeal High Court Ruling Over Level of U.K. Security Protection

Harry's security situation in the UK became a concern when he and Meghan Markle revealed their intention to step back from royal duties in January 2020. As a result of this decision, the couple no longer received publicly-funded security arrangements that they had while serving as working members of the royal family. After relocating to California in the same year, Harry and Meghan, who are parents to 4-year-old son Prince Archie and 2-year-old daughter Princess Lilibet, had to make other security arrangements.

In January 2022, Harry applied for a judicial review regarding the ability to personally fund police protection for his family during visits to England. A spokesperson for Harry stated that despite his changing role within the Institution, his profile as a member of the royal family and the threats to him and his family remain unchanged.

The spokesperson continued by emphasizing that the U.K. will always be Prince Harry's home, and he wants his wife and children to feel safe there. The lack of police protection poses a significant personal risk, and Prince Harry hopes that his petition, following nearly two years of requesting security in the U.K., will help resolve this pressing issue.

Prior to the High Court’s February ruling, Harry's attempt to pay for his family’s U.K. protection was unsuccessful. The British government's argument in court was that the police should be available to the public and not act as "private bodyguards for the wealthy."

Despite Harry's unsuccessful bid for more protection in the UK, the New York Police Department announced in February that he and Meghan would receive extra security during their future visits to New York City. This decision came after a May 2023 car chase in Manhattan involving the couple, leading to the NYPD gathering enough evidence to make two arrests related to the incident.

Editor's P/S:

Prince Harry's ongoing legal battle for enhanced security in the UK is a complex and nuanced issue. While it is understandable that Harry, as a high-profile figure, may feel a need for increased protection, the British government's stance that police resources should be prioritized for the public raises valid concerns. The court's decision to deny Harry's initial appeal highlights the delicate balance between personal safety and the allocation of public funds.

It is important to note that Harry's security situation is unique. As a non-working royal, he is no longer entitled to publicly-funded protection. However, his continued high profile and the potential threats he faces warrant consideration. Harry's willingness to personally fund his security arrangements could potentially address the government's concerns about diverting police resources from other areas. The Court of Appeal's decision on Harry's appeal will likely provide further clarity on the legal and practical implications of this complex issue.