Prince Harry arrived at London’s High Court this morning, flashing a peace sign to photographers as he entered for a closely watched legal battle over his UK security arrangements.
The Duke of Sussex’s appearance comes just hours after his father, King Charles III, departed for an official state visit to Italy, underscoring the ongoing distance between the two.
The hearing, expected to last two days, centers on Prince Harry’s appeal against a 2020 Home Office decision that reduced his taxpayer-funded armed security while visiting Britain.
His legal team argues he was “singled out” and treated “less favourably” than other senior royals.
Security Concerns and Legal Costs
Harry has long maintained that his family—including wife Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet—face significant risks in the UK, citing potential threats from “racism and extremism.”””
His lawyers referenced a 2021 incident where photographers chased his car after a charity event in Kew Gardens as evidence of security vulnerabilities.
The legal fight has proven costly for the UK government, with expenses surpassing £600,000, according to data obtained by Metro.co.uk via a Freedom of Information request. Most of the costs (£569,559) stem from an ongoing judicial review, while an additional £27,257 was spent on a separate concluded case.
Strained Royal Ties and Rejected Invitation
Prince Harry’s relationship with the monarchy has remained tense since stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and relocating to California.
Reports from The Daily Telegraph last year revealed he declined an invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace during a UK visit, citing inadequate security provisions.
Under current rules, Harry must provide 28 days’ notice for UK trips to arrange protection—a system he deems “unreasonable” due to the “excessive uncertainty” it creates for his security team.
The High Court’s ruling on this appeal could set a precedent for royal security protocols and influence future visits by the Sussexes.
Sources: UK High Court filings, Home Office disclosures, The Daily Telegraph and royal insiders.
Reported by M10News | April 8, 2025
