Additional Coverage:
- Prince Harry in court battle over security protection despite stepping down as a full-time royal (nbcnews.com)
Prince Harry Takes UK Government to Court Over Security Downgrade
LONDON — Prince Harry appeared in court Tuesday to appeal the British government’s decision to remove his publicly funded security detail. The case stems from a 2020 decision to downgrade Harry’s protection after he stepped back from royal duties and relocated to the United States with his wife, Meghan. Since then, the UK government has provided security on a case-by-case basis.
The Duke of Sussex argues that the body responsible for royal protection isn’t following its own protocols. He claims he and his family face significant threats due to racially motivated abuse directed at his wife from certain segments of the public and media.
Harry’s legal team previously stated, “Prince Harry inherited a security risk at birth, for life. He remains sixth in line to the throne, served two tours of combat duty in Afghanistan, and in recent years his family has been subjected to well-documented neo-Nazi and extremist threats.”
It should be noted that Harry is currently fifth in line to the throne.
The High Court previously rejected Harry’s challenge in February of last year, deeming the security change neither irrational nor procedurally unfair. While Harry initially lost an appeal last April, he successfully overturned that decision in the summer. A separate ruling also denied his request to personally fund protection from the Metropolitan Police, as the UK government maintains its police force is not for private hire.
This week’s proceedings will be overseen by three judges. Harry’s legal team includes Shaheed Fatima KC and Jason Pobjoy KC.
This is just one of several legal battles currently involving the Duke of Sussex. Recent legal actions include a settlement with the publisher of The Sun over unlawful information gathering and an upcoming trial against Associated Newspapers Limited, the publisher of the Daily Mail, over similar allegations.
He also recently accepted damages from Mirror Group Newspapers in a phone-hacking case.
Beyond the courtroom, Harry’s relationship with his family, including King Charles III, has been strained since his departure from the UK. The prince arrived in the UK on Sunday, just hours before Charles traveled to Italy for cancer treatment, leading to media speculation about a possible meeting between the two.