Prince Harry, alongside other senior members of the royal family, had been beneficiary of comprehensive security protection funded by the public purse until he decided to step back from his royal obligations and relocate to California with his spouse Meghan, an American, in March 2020.
Harry, the younger son of King Charles, initiated legal proceedings against the British government's determination to withdraw his police security while he was in the United Kingdom. This action was pursued in the High Court of London after the Home Office's decision in February 2020 to discontinue the automatic provision of personal police protection for him within the UK.
Before his disengagement from royal duties and relocation overseas, Harry, like other senior royals, had access to fully state-funded security measures. His legal challenge centered on contentions of unlawful, inequitable, and unjust treatment resulting from the cessation of such protection.
Although his legal team secured permission for a judicial review of the government's decision, the High Court heard arguments in December regarding the purportedly discriminatory nature of the withdrawal of security. The government countered these claims, asserting that the decision was not an outright denial of protection but rather a reassessment of its basis.
In its ruling, the High Court concurred with the government's stance, finding no legal infirmity in the decision-making process.
A spokesperson for the government expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, affirming that the protective security framework remains robust and proportionate. They added that further deliberation on the matter is underway, refraining from providing additional commentary.
Harry, who recently visited Britain to visit his father following the announcement of King Charles' cancer diagnosis, has expressed hope that his father's illness could serve as a catalyst for family reconciliation amidst strained relations since his relocation to the United States.
This ruling represents the second legal setback for Harry concerning his security, following a separate challenge against the government's refusal to permit him to privately finance his police protection.
Harry's advocacy for his family's safety has been well-documented, particularly in light of the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of his mother, Princess Diana, in a car accident while fleeing pursuing paparazzi in Paris in 1997. Moreover, concerns about threats from far-right extremists against the couple have been acknowledged by Britain's former counter-terrorism police chief.
Against the backdrop of mounting apprehensions regarding the safety of public officials, the government announced additional funding to bolster security provisions for lawmakers and other dignitaries.
