The Full Story Behind Prince Harry's Battle for Security in the U.K.: Royal Departure, Legal Battle, and Beyond

Ever since Prince Harry stepped back from his senior royal duties in January 2020, he has been focused on ensuring the safety of his family in the U.K.

After relocating to California and no longer having public-funded security, Prince Harry filed for judicial review in January 2022 to secure funding for his family's protection during their visits to the U.K. (His family includes his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.)

"Prince Harry was born into a lifelong security risk, being sixth in line to the throne. Despite serving two tours in Afghanistan, he and his family have faced threats from neo-Nazis and extremists," a spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex revealed. "Although his role within the royal family has changed, the level of threat to him and his family remains unchanged."

In February 2024, Prince Harry faced another challenge when the U.K.'s High Court decided that the British government has the authority to determine the security measures for non-working royals visiting the country. His attempt to appeal the ruling was rejected in April of the same year.

Scroll down for a timeline of Harry’s fight to keep his family safe abroad:

Everything Know About Prince Harry Fight Security UK

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Everything to Know About Prince Harry's Fight for Security in the U.K.: Royal Exit, Lawsuit and More

Prince Harry, who stepped down from senior royal duties in January 2020, is now facing challenges in ensuring his family's safety in the U.K.

After relocating from England to California, Harry lost his publicly-funded security team. In January 2022, he sought judicial review to secure funds for his family's protection during their visits to the U.K. (Harry and Meghan Markle have two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.)

Prince Harry was born into a life of security risks, being sixth in line to the throne. He bravely served two tours of combat duty in Afghanistan. In recent years, his family has faced threats from neo-Nazis and extremists, as shared by a spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex. Despite changes in his role within the royal family, the threat to him and his family remains unchanged.

In February 2024, Prince Harry faced a setback when the U.K.'s High Court ruled that the British government has the authority to determine the security level for non-working royals visiting the country. His attempt to appeal the decision was rejected in April of the same year.

Scroll down for a timeline of Harry's fight to keep his family safe abroad:

Everything Know About Prince Harry Fight Security UK Meghan Markle

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January 2020

Harry and Meghan shared their decision to step back from their senior royal duties. Following this, Harry had a conversation with his grandmother and father in the U.K. to talk about what comes next. In the discussions, the topic of security was raised, and although Harry offered to cover the costs for a separate security team, his proposal was turned down.

Everything Know About Prince Harry Fight Security UK Meghan Markle

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February 2020

After their surprising announcement, the couple took a short break in Canada. According to a source, Harry and Meghan were truly relieved to have left the hectic environment back home.

Everything Know About Prince Harry Fight Security UK Meghan Markle

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May 2020

After relocating to Los Angeles, the royal couple raised concerns with authorities about drones invading their privacy at home. A source from the Los Angeles Police Department mentioned that there had been escalating incidents involving the couple, with the drones becoming more aggressive.

Three months later, it was confirmed that Harry and Meghan had found a new home in the peaceful Montecito neighborhood of Santa Barbara, California, away from the hustle and bustle.

Everything Know About Prince Harry Fight Security UK Meghan Markle Archie

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March 2021

In March 2021, the Sussexes shared their reasons for stepping away from their senior duties in a candid interview on CBS. They revealed that they felt compelled to make this decision because their son, Archie, was not provided with security after his birth in May 2019.

Meghan remembered how tough it was. During the last few months of her pregnancy, she found herself questioning, "Wait, how does this work?" She emphasized the importance of her son being safe, even if he wouldn't be a prince.

Everything Know About Prince Harry Fight Security UK

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July 2021

One month after the birth of their daughter Lilibet, Prince Harry traveled to the UK for the unveiling of a statue honoring his late mother, Princess Diana. In a statement in January 2022, Harry claimed that his security was at risk due to the lack of police protection during his visit.

Everything Know About Prince Harry Fight Security UK Meghan Markle

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October 2021

The couple, known for speaking out against the risks of social media, were targeted by negative Twitter activity, according to Bot Sentinel, a company that monitors fake accounts. In a statement in 2022, Harry mentioned the threats from neo-Nazis and extremists that he and his wife have faced, emphasizing their ongoing struggle for security.

Everything Know About Prince Harry Fight Security UK

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January 2022

Harry recently filed a judicial review to address his concern about hiring his own personal security team while visiting the UK. He expressed his desire for better protection after a story was published in a UK tabloid at a suspicious time.

In a statement issued the same month, Harry emphasized that the UK will always be his home and the country where he wants his wife and children to feel safe. He highlighted the importance of having adequate police protection to avoid personal risks. Harry hopes that his petition, following nearly two years of requesting security in the UK, will help resolve this issue.

Prince Harry Tells London Court He ‘Does Not Feel Safe’ Bringing Meghan Markle, Their Kids to the U.K

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February 2022

During a preliminary hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice, Harry's attorney, Shaheed Fatima, mentioned that Harry does not feel safe bringing his kids to the U.K. She emphasized that Harry wants to come back to see his family and friends and to continue supporting charities that are important to him. Above all, the U.K. will always be his home.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Secretly Fly to U.K. to Visit Queen Elizabeth

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April 2022

Harry and Meghan went to the U.K. to see the queen before heading to the Netherlands for the Invictus Games. This was the first time that Meghan, who used to be a blogger, had been back to England since they officially left the royal family in March 2020.

Buckingham Palace Won't Be Commenting on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's New York City Car Chase

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May 2023

In May 2023, a judge in London's High Court denied Harry's request to hire police security while he's overseas in the U.K. The government stated that officers are meant to serve the public and are not private bodyguards for the wealthy.

The official decision was made right after Harry and Meghan had a scary encounter with paparazzi during a car chase in New York City. The couple were at the 2023 Women of Vision Awards with Meghan's mom, Doria Ragland. The NYPD confirmed that there were no accidents, tickets, injuries, or arrests during the incident.

Everything to Know About Prince Harrys Fight for Security in the UK Royal Exit Lawsuit and More

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February 2024

U.K. High Court Judge Peter Lane has ruled that the British government has the authority to oversee the security provided to non-working members of the royal family. In his 51-page ruling, Lane stated that the decision made by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) was found to be neither unfair nor irrational.

Following the court ruling, Harry has announced his decision to appeal the verdict. A legal spokesperson stated to The Telegraph, "The Duke of Sussex will be appealing today's judgment which dismisses his request for a judicial review of the decision-making body Ravec, consisting of the Home Office, the Royal Household, and the Met Police." The spokesperson also highlighted that although Ravec does not use these specific labels, the three categories identified during the legal proceedings are the Role Based Category, the Occasional Category, and the Other VIP Category.

The statement mentioned that Harry was simply asking for fair treatment, not special treatment. He wanted Ravec to follow their own rules and give him the same consideration as everyone else, as stated in their policy.

In conclusion, the statement mentioned that Harry is hopeful for justice from the Court of Appeal. He will not be making any further comments on the case while it is still ongoing.

Everything to Know About Prince Harrys Fight for Security in the UK Royal Exit Lawsuit and More

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April 2024

Harry's attempt to appeal the U.K. High Court's decision was turned down. The law firm Schillings mentioned in a statement to Us that "The Duke of Sussex will now seek permission from the Court of Appeal to contest the ruling of Mr. Justice Lane."

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights Prince Harry's ongoing struggle to ensure the safety of his family during their visits to the U.K. After stepping back from senior royal duties and losing publicly-funded security, Harry filed a judicial review in 2022 to secure funding for his family's protection. Despite facing challenges in court, Harry has remained determined to provide adequate security for his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children.

The article also sheds light on the threats and risks that Harry and his family have faced, including neo-Nazis and extremists. Harry's concerns about his family's safety are understandable, especially given his high-profile status and the potential for security breaches. The ongoing legal battle between Harry and the U.K. government reflects the complex nature of security arrangements for non-working members of the royal family. Harry's efforts to ensure his family's well-being demonstrate his commitment to their safety and his desire for fair treatment under the law.