Prince Harry Duke of Sussex Appeals Police Protection Ruling as Court Deliberates

Prince Harry has returned to the Royal Courts of Justice in London to appeal a UK government decision that stripped him of publicly funded police protection. The case, now concluded, awaits a written judgment from the Court of Appeal, which will determine whether the Home Office acted lawfully in downgrading his security status in 2020.

Prince Harry’s legal team claims he was “singled out for inferior treatment” by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC), which failed to follow proper procedures or conduct a professional risk assessment. His barristers argue that the decision was both procedurally unfair and inconsistent with the treatment of other high-profile individuals.

The Home Office, however, defends its approach, asserting that protection for the Duke of Sussex is assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on his engagements in the UK. It maintains that the arrangements are lawful, proportionate, and appropriate to the risk.

This is not Prince Harry’s first legal challenge on the matter. In February 2024, the High Court upheld the Home Office’s decision. His application to appeal was initially rejected, but the Court of Appeal later granted permission in June 2024, leading to the current proceedings.

The Royal Family has refrained from commenting publicly. Nevertheless, a 2020 letter from the late Queen Elizabeth II suggested she considered the safety of Harry and Meghan to be of paramount importance. King Charles III, according to media reports, is said to be disheartened by the ongoing litigation and did not meet his son during the latter’s visit to London this week.

The outcome of this appeal may set a precedent for how former working royals are treated in future security arrangements. It also underscores the continuing rift between the Duke of Sussex and the institution he once served.