Prince Harry is expected to receive a verdict on Friday regarding his appeal against the British government’s decision to reduce his police protection during visits to the United Kingdom.
The appeal hearing, which spanned two days in April, drew considerable public attention and brought Harry, 40, back to London in a rare appearance. The decision being appealed stems from his status change after stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and relocating to California with his wife, Meghan Markle.
The couple’s departure was heavily influenced by intense media scrutiny, among other concerns. In the aftermath, the UK government concluded that Harry would no longer receive the “same degree” of taxpayer-funded security while in Britain. Instead, his protection would be assessed “on a case-by-case basis.”
After losing an initial case against the interior ministry, Harry, the Duke of Sussex, launched an appeal, with his lawyers alleging that he was “singled out” for “unjustified and inferior treatment”.
In a written submission, lawyers said Harry and Meghan had been involved in “a dangerous car pursuit with paparazzi in New York City”, and had received threats from Al-Qaeda.
The verdict could determine how often Harry — long haunted by the death of his mother Princess Diana in a car chase fleeing paparazzi in 1997 — visits Britain.
The prince has said security concerns have hampered his ability to visit the UK, making only fleeting trips since stepping down as a working royal five years ago and moving to California.
In early 2024, the High Court ruled against Harry’s challenge to the 2020 government decision, saying that the government acted lawfully.
His initial bid was also refused in April last year, before a judge said Harry could challenge the decision.
His lawyers said that the committee behind the decision, which deals with protection for royal and public figures, failed to assess the risks to the prince.
However the government’s lawyer argued that the downgrade was a result of “his change in status because he was now going to live abroad for the majority of his time”. (AFP)
What you should know
The Court of Appeal’s decision on Prince Harry’s police protection appeal may influence how frequently he returns to the UK, with safety concerns remaining a key barrier since his royal exit in 2020.
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