Prince Harry’s high-profile security case took an unexpected turn today when an agitated supporter disrupted the High Court proceedings.
The moment unfolded at the Royal Courts of Justice, where the Duke of Sussex is fighting for the restoration of his taxpayer-funded security after stepping back from royal duties.
The Disruption at the Court
During the court hearing, a female supporter caught everyone’s attention when she arrived late to the public gallery.
The woman, described as a short, shaven-headed black woman in her 50s, fidgeted throughout the proceedings with two phones and a notebook.
This led to a brief disruption, which saw Prince Harry’s head of security, David Langdown, and another bodyguard stepping in.
They closely watched the woman as she muttered something, and shortly after, she was escorted away by court security.
As Prince Harry was escorted out by his bodyguards, the woman shouted something unclear, possibly in support of the Duke.
She later commented to the press gallery, blaming them for Harry’s absence in the UK.
Despite her cryptic statements, she was quickly removed from the building.
The incident didn’t escalate further, and the Duke returned to the court with his security to continue the “secret” session about his security arrangements.
Prince Harry’s Legal Fight for Security
Prince Harry has traveled all the way from California to attend the two-day hearing in London, where he is challenging a decision that saw his royal security downgraded after he and Meghan Markle decided to step back from their royal duties in 2020.
At the center of his case is the claim that the government’s decision to strip him of his top-tier security was unjustified.
He argues that as a public figure, he still faces potential threats, particularly in the UK.
The Duke’s legal team, led by lawyer Shaheed Fatima KC, insists that the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) did not follow its own guidelines when making this decision.
Fatima argues that there should have been a formal assessment of Prince Harry’s security needs by the Risk Management Board (RMB), but no such review was conducted.
Instead, the decision was made through a “bespoke” process, which Harry’s team claims has led to unfair treatment.
The Home Office’s Stance
In response, the Home Office’s representative, Sir James Eadie KC, argued that Prince Harry’s decision to step back from royal duties made him no longer eligible for the same level of security he once had.
He emphasized that there was nothing typical about Harry’s situation, given his departure from the royal family and his decision to spend most of his time abroad.
Sir James also denied claims that Harry was being singled out, asserting that the process used to assess his security had “positive advantages” for him.
A Personal Battle with Major Consequences
This case is not only a legal dispute but also a deeply personal one for Prince Harry.
He has expressed concerns about the safety of his family, particularly his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, whenever they are in the UK.
Harry believes his children cannot feel safe in the country without proper security, and he is committed to fighting for their protection.
The hearing continues, with a decision expected in the coming days.
However, the case has already cost British taxpayers £500,000, highlighting the scale and intensity of this legal battle.
As the Duke presses on with his fight for security, his relationship with the royal family, especially with King Charles, remains strained.
Prince Harry’s Return to the UK
The Duke’s return to the UK has sparked media interest, with reports suggesting he did not meet with his father, King Charles, during his visit.
Harry’s legal battle with the Home Office has put a strain on the royal family’s relationships, and it remains unclear how this legal issue will impact his future role within the monarchy.
The ongoing case continues to unfold, with tensions rising and the stakes higher than ever for the Duke of Sussex as he seeks the protection he believes he deserves.
