Prince Harry Loses Initial Appeal Against UK Personal Security Ruling

Prince Harry Duke of Sussex argued that he had been “singled out” in the decision to not afford him police protections when in the UK. (Photo by DPPA/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)

Prince Harry’s bid to appeal a decision reducing his publicly funded personal security detail during his visits to the UK was thwarted Monday after a High Court judge reaffirmed that the cutback was justified.

Retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane dismissed Duke of Sussex’s initial appeal on grounds it merely reiterated previous arguments and upheld the decision by the executive committee for the protection of royalty and public figures (Ravec), since it followed his decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to the U.S. with his family in January 2020.

“The reality of the matter is that the claimant considers he should receive a different approach to his protection whilst in the UK than Ravec decided he should, based in part on his comparison of his own position with that of others. Ravec, as an expert body, concluded otherwise. It was entitled to do so,” Lane said.

Additionally, Lane ruled that Harry must cover 90% of the Home Office’s legal costs, citing only a “modest” reduction despite the government’s procedural missteps during the case.

“They have resulted in the case being largely contested by reference to new grounds, which have not been subjected to the normal permission process,” he added.

Despite this judicial roadblock, a spokesperson for Prince Harry expressed his determination to continue the legal fight, saying: “Harry hopes he will obtain justice from the court of appeal.”