Prince Harry Challenges UK Government’s Decision to Strip Security Amidst Move to the US with Meghan
In a legal battle unfolding at London’s High Court, Prince Harry is contesting the decision by the UK government to withdraw his security detail following his departure from the working ranks of the royal family and relocation to the United States with his wife, Meghan Markle.
Prince Harry’s legal representative, Attorney Shaheed Fatima, argued on Tuesday that the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC), responsible for assessing the Duke of Sussex’s security needs, acted irrationally and unfairly by neglecting its own policies. Fatima emphasized that RAVEC failed to conduct a proper risk analysis, considering the potential impact of a security breach on Prince Harry’s status within the royal family and the broader implications for the UK’s reputation.
The three-day hearing, mostly held behind closed doors due to sensitive security matters, marks the latest legal challenge for Prince Harry against the UK government and British tabloid media. Although Prince Harry was absent from the court, his legal team presented opening remarks, and a judgment is expected at a later date.
Earlier this year, Prince Harry’s attempt to privately fund London’s police force for his security needs was rejected by a judge, who argued against using officers as “private bodyguards for the wealthy.”
The Duke of Sussex expressed concerns about his safety, attributing them to social media hostility, relentless media scrutiny, and a perceived lack of security during public events. He cited his family’s history with the media, particularly the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997, as a key factor influencing his decision to relocate to the United States.
Prince Harry is challenging the decision by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures to provide security on a “case by case” basis since his move to Canada in 2020 and subsequently to California.
The government’s attorney, James Eadie, argued that Prince Harry is no longer a working member of the royal family and emphasized the committee’s consideration of the wider impact of Princess Diana’s death on the nation. Eadie also highlighted the cost factor, stating that security funds are not limitless.
Prince Harry contends that the committee’s decision was unfair, as it did not involve his personal input, and raised concerns about the panel’s composition, including the presence of royal family staff, including Edward Young.
This case is one of five legal disputes Prince Harry currently has pending in the High Court, with others involving major British tabloids, including a libel case against the Daily Mail and allegations of unlawful practices by journalists from the Daily Mirror and The Sun. A ruling on the Daily Mail case is expected on Friday.
‘It is ridiculous! If Harry chooses to come here, he can pay for himself and he can flipping well afford it!’@ToryBoyPierce weighs in on Prince Harry taking the Home Office to court over security arrangements.
🔓 Become a GB News Member: https://t.co/mNsRsGC8ef pic.twitter.com/pJ5QxwxySU
— GB News (@GBNEWS) December 5, 2023