The Duke of Sussex has said his “worst fears” have been realised as he continues his legal battle over the decision to withdraw his police protection in the UK.
Prince Harry is appealing a High Court ruling that upheld the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (ECPRPF)’s decision to downgrade his security status following his departure from royal duties in 2020.
Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, lost their full-time taxpayer-funded police protection when they stepped back as senior working royals. That level of security is now reserved for King Charles, Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and their children.
Ravec instead offered the Sussexes a “bespoke” arrangement, requiring them to give 30 days’ notice before visiting the UK, with protection determined on a case-by-case basis.
Harry’s barrister, Shaheed Fatima KC, at the Court of Appeal this week argued that the Duke had been “singled out for different, unjustified, and inferior treatment.” She said Harry rejected the idea that a “bespoke” service was superior, describing the arrangement as lacking consistency and fairness.
Retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane previously ruled that Ravec’s decision was lawful, but Harry is now seeking to overturn that ruling.
Much of the two-day hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice was held privately to consider classified security material. After the session, Harry said, “My worst fears have been confirmed by the full legal disclosure in this case, and that’s sad. People would be shocked by what’s being held back.”
He also suggested the decision may have been made to dissuade him and Meghan from leaving their royal roles and relocating to the United States, a claim Buckingham Palace sources strongly deny.
In an interview with the Telegraph, the Duke said he was “exhausted” and “overwhelmed” by the ongoing legal proceedings. “We were trying to create this happy house,” he added.
The Home Office, responsible for Ravec’s decision, is contesting the appeal, arguing that the committee followed a fair and lawful process based on individual risk assessments.
After the hearing on Wednesday, Sir Geoffrey Vos, sitting with Lord Justice Bean and Lord Justice Edis, said the court would deliver its decision in writing at a later date, “most unlikely” to be before Easter.
