Prince Harry has returned to London to challenge a government decision that stripped him of automatic police protection during visits to the UK. This legal battle marks yet another chapter in the Duke of Sussex’s complex and often contentious relationship with British institutions since his departure from royal duties in 2020.
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The Background: A Royal Breakaway
Since stepping back from royal life alongside his wife, Meghan Markle, in 2020, Harry has relocated to the United States. The couple’s move followed what they described as intense media scrutiny and lack of support from the royal family. In the wake of this departure, the UK Home Office opted to remove taxpayer-funded, automatic police protection for the pair, replacing it with a case-by-case security evaluation.
Prince Harry is now contesting that decision before the Court of Appeal in London. The hearing, which began on Tuesday, April 8, is scheduled to last two days and is partially held behind closed doors due to the “highly sensitive” nature of the security information involved.
A Long Legal Fight Against the Home Office
This is not Harry’s first attempt to reinstate his security arrangements. In February 2024, the High Court ruled in favor of the Home Office, concluding that the decision to revoke his security was not unjust and that the police strategy was legally sound. At the time, a spokesperson for Prince Harry clarified that he was not seeking special privileges, but rather a “fair and lawful” application of existing protective measures.
The prince argues that his unique status as a high-profile royal figure—even if no longer active—continues to expose him and his family to serious risks when visiting the UK. His concerns are underscored by the tragic fate of his mother, Princess Diana, who died in a car crash in Paris in 1997 while being chased by paparazzi.
Financial and Emotional Stakes
The stakes in this legal battle are not just about personal safety but also carry significant financial and emotional weight. In a previous case rejected in April 2024, a judge ordered Prince Harry to cover most of the Home Office’s legal costs, amounting to nearly £1 million (approximately €1.17 million), as reported by The Times.
Harry’s ongoing legal efforts suggest that he views the case as not only about security but also about principle. His legal team contends that the process used to strip him of automatic protection lacked transparency and fairness.
Public and Institutional Reactions
The case continues to stir debate in the UK. Some argue that Harry, having voluntarily stepped away from royal duties and public funding, should not expect the same level of state-sponsored protection as active working royals. Others believe that his visibility and past experiences—especially the intense media attention—warrant consistent security measures, particularly during his stays in Britain.
Meanwhile, the UK Home Office has stood firm in its decisions, defending the case-by-case approach as reasonable and in line with existing security protocols.
Looking Ahead
The Court of Appeal’s decision will be closely watched, not just for its implications on Prince Harry’s future in the UK, but also for its potential influence on how the country navigates security arrangements for former royals and high-profile figures. It also sheds light on the evolving role of the monarchy in a modern context—where duty, independence, and security intersect in increasingly complex ways.
While the court deliberates, Prince Harry’s legal journey continues to reflect the broader struggle between personal freedom and institutional obligations—a theme that has defined much of his public life since stepping away from the royal family.
This Article is originally published on: rtl.fr
