Prince Harry has recently lost his battle to have taxpayer-funded armed police bodyguards reinstated while he is in the UK, leaving him facing a hefty bill of £1.5 million.
The Duke of Sussex argued that he had been unfairly treated since stepping back from his royal duties in 2020, claiming that his safety was at risk without the same level of protection he once received.
The Court’s Ruling
The High Court’s decision came after a series of hearings where Prince Harry’s legal team argued that the removal of his armed bodyguards by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC) had put his life in danger.
However, Sir Geoffrey Vos, the Master of the Rolls, ruled against Harry, stating that while the Duke felt mistreated, his grievance didn’t provide enough legal grounds to challenge RAVEC’s decision.
Sir Geoffrey emphasized that although the Duke’s arguments were compelling, the evidence did not support the claim that the decision made by RAVEC was legally flawed.
He stated that Harry’s appeal would be dismissed and that the decision would stand.
Diverging Views in the Royal Family
The ruling comes amid speculation that Prince Harry’s legal battle has strained his relationship with his father, King Charles.
Reports suggest that the King and his son have differing opinions on whether Harry should continue pursuing this legal action.
Meanwhile, the UK’s Home Secretary has requested that Harry cover the costs of both sides, which could amount to nearly £1.5 million.
The Safety Concerns
At the heart of Prince Harry’s argument was the belief that his safety was at risk without the usual level of protection.
His barrister, Shaheed Fatima KC, argued that the Duke had been “singled out” for inferior treatment and that the risk to his life remained as high as ever, especially given his military background.
She also highlighted threats from terrorist groups, like al-Qaeda, that had specifically targeted Harry.
Despite these concerns, the Home Office, which oversees RAVEC’s decisions, contended that Harry was receiving bespoke protection suited to his current circumstances.
They also pointed out that RAVEC’s decision was made in a “unique set of circumstances” following Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from their royal roles.
What’s Next?
With the Court of Appeal siding against Prince Harry, the Duke has the option to appeal to the Supreme Court.
If he chooses to continue, he could face even higher legal costs.
For now, it seems that Harry, Meghan, and their children will not have automatic access to taxpayer-funded armed protection when in the UK.
This ongoing legal saga highlights the tension between Harry’s desire for personal security and the decisions made by the royal institution regarding his protection.
Whether he will continue his fight or accept the current ruling remains to be seen.