Prince Harry has appeared at the Royal Courts of Justice in London to begin his appeal over a decision to downgrade his security status in the United Kingdom. The Duke of Sussex is challenging a previous High Court ruling that denied him automatic police protection after stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
Prince Harry argues that the decision has left him and his family vulnerable, despite facing ongoing security threats. He maintains that the process used to strip his taxpayer-funded security was unfair and inconsistent with how other high-profile individuals are treated in the UK.
Legal Challenge Over UK Police Protection
The royal arrived in a black Range Rover, drawing heavy media presence outside the court. His legal team emphasized that the prince is not seeking special treatment, but rather a fair and transparent evaluation of the risks he faces while visiting the UK.
Currently, Prince Harry’s security is assessed on a case-by-case basis, unlike senior members of the Royal Family who receive automatic police protection. His lawyers assert that this ad hoc approach puts him at risk and disregards the threats he continues to receive.
Previous Legal Setbacks
Last year, a High Court judge ruled that the original decision to change Prince Harry’s security arrangements was lawful and rational. In a separate case in 2023, the prince also lost a bid to privately fund his own police protection while in the UK.
Despite the setbacks, Prince Harry continues to pursue legal avenues to ensure the safety of his family when traveling to Britain. His concerns have limited his visits to the UK in recent years.
Victory in Mirror Group Lawsuit
The Duke of Sussex did see a legal win in 2023 when Mirror Group Newspapers agreed to pay his legal costs and approximately £300,000 in damages over phone-hacking claims, following a separate High Court case.
