Prince Harry’s ongoing legal battle over his U.K. security arrangements took an unexpected turn on April 9, when a public disruption at the Royal Courts of Justice led to his swift exit from the courtroom.
According to The Daily Mail, the incident occurred during a high-profile hearing addressing the Duke of Sussex’s legal challenge over the government’s decision to reduce his security protection.
The commotion was sparked by a woman in the public gallery who shouted as Harry passed by her during a break in proceedings. Though her outburst appeared supportive, the abrupt nature of the incident raised immediate concern.
Sudden Outburst Prompts Swift Response From Security
Court attendees described the woman as being in her 50s, petite, and wearing glasses. She arrived late and drew attention by frequently handling two mobile phones and a notebook throughout the public portion of the hearing.
Her behavior prompted noticeable vigilance from Harry’s head of security, David Langdown, and another close protection officer, who monitored her movements closely.
When the court recessed for a private session, Harry’s security team swiftly moved into action.
As the Duke exited, passing within arm’s reach of the woman, she loudly declared, “I support you, Prince Harry,” startling those present. Despite the message being supportive, the timing and proximity triggered an immediate tightening of the security formation.
Court officials promptly removed the woman from the public gallery, and she was later escorted out of the building entirely. When approached by a journalist outside, she declined to comment on her actions.
Legal Battle Over Security Returns to Spotlight
The disruption came during Harry’s second appearance at the Royal Courts in two days, marking a significant moment in his ongoing legal efforts to reinstate his government-funded security while in the U.K. His first appearance on April 8 reignited public debate, with critics questioning the legitimacy and cost of his legal pursuit.
Prince Harry’s case, filed in September 2021, challenges the decision by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) in February 2020 to downgrade his security. This change followed his and Meghan Markle’s withdrawal from official royal duties and their relocation to the United States.
The current hearing at the Court of Appeal involves a panel of three judges reviewing the legal principles surrounding the case. The outcome could determine the level of protection Harry receives during visits to the U.K., which he argues is critical for the safety of his family.
A Family-Driven Fight for Safety
During an earlier court session in December 2023, a statement from Prince Harry was read aloud, shedding light on the emotional toll of the situation. In it, he emphasized the family’s difficult decision to leave royal life behind.
“It was with great sadness for both of us that my wife and I felt forced to step back from this role and leave the country in 2020,” he said.
He further expressed concern for his children’s future in the U.K.: “The UK is central to the heritage of my children and a place I want them to feel at home as much as where they live at the moment in the US. That cannot happen if it’s not possible to keep them safe when they are on UK soil.”
Citing his own past experiences, the Duke explained that he could not justify putting his family at risk, particularly his wife, without adequate protection measures in place.
