Prince Harry’s first attempt to challenge a High Court decision regarding his security in the UK has been rejected.
The request to appeal a previous ruling supporting the government panel’s decision to restrict his access to publicly funded security was denied by the High Court judge. This choice was made because Prince Harry lost taxpayer-funded protective security after resigning as a working member of the royal family in 2020.
The legal dispute started more than four years ago when Prince Harry alleged that he and his family were at risk during trips to the UK because of negative treatment from the press, particularly directed at him and Meghan Markle. He emphasized the constant scrutiny they faced from the British press.
Responding to the claim, a government attorney contended that Prince Harry was treated justly and continued to be provided security during certain visits, referencing a situation in June 2021 when he was followed by photographers following an event in London.
The committee considered the wider consequences of Princess Diana’s tragic death and the possible public distress if an attack happened on her son, Prince Harry, when assessing the security decision. Attorney James Eadie described the process of making this decision.High Court Judge Peter Lane has stated that the panel’s choice for personalized security when required was legal and reasonable.
Prince Harry’s lawyers contended that his security detail in the US did not have jurisdiction overseas nor access to British intelligence, making the decision to completely remove his royal security unjustifiable.
Even though his first appeal attempt was denied by the High Court, Prince Harry now has the option to request permission from the Court of Appeal instead. He is set to travel to London next month to attend a special event commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. The Invictus Games, established by Prince Harry in 2014, are similar to the Paralympics.
