Prince Harry has lost his legal battle against the UK Home Office over the level of publicly funded security he is entitled to when visiting the UK, after the Court of Appeal upheld the government’s decision to offer him a “bespoke” protection arrangement. The Duke of Sussex’s security case was dismissed by three senior judges, who concluded the government’s approach was lawful and reasonable.
The ruling allows the UK government to proceed with a customised, lower-cost security plan for the Duke and his family. Under the new system, Prince Harry must give 30 days’ notice of any intended visits to the UK, with each trip assessed individually for threat levels and security needs.
The court rejected Harry’s claim that he had been unfairly singled out for inferior protection following his decision to step back from royal duties in 2020. Lord Justice Vos, Master of the Rolls, said that although Prince Harry felt “grievance,” this did not translate into a valid legal argument.
Legal Challenge Deemed Unfounded
Prince Harry had originally taken the Home Office to court over the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec)’s decision to downgrade his security. His legal team argued that Ravec failed to follow its own procedures and that the prince’s safety and life were “at stake.”
However, the court disagreed, stating that the flexible, case-by-case model proposed by Ravec was logical and appropriate. The decision echoes an earlier High Court ruling that had also upheld the lawfulness of the government’s approach.
Public Interest vs Personal Security
The Home Office, represented by Sir James Eadie KC, maintained that the decision took into account a “unique set of circumstances,” including Harry’s status as a non-working royal. The government continues to defend the protective system as “rigorous and proportionate.”
Critics argue that Prince Harry may have heightened his own security risk by publicly revealing in his memoir Spare that he had killed 25 Taliban fighters. Meanwhile, legal analysts suggest Harry could attempt a further appeal to the Supreme Court—but only if permission is granted, and only if the case is deemed of wider public importance.
Bespoke Protection Policy Remains in Place
Ravec’s policy, first outlined in February 2020, remains unchanged. Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, will not receive automatic police protection during their UK visits but will be assessed based on individual travel plans and potential threats.
A spokesperson for the Home Office stated, “The UK government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate.”
