Prince Harry Loses Appeal for UK Security Protection

LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry has lost his appeal against the U.K. government’s decision to revoke his taxpayer-funded security. The appeal was dismissed by the Court of Appeal on Friday, marking another setback for the Duke of Sussex as he continues to navigate his security arrangement since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.

Harry’s security was downgraded to a case-by-case basis in February 2020, shortly after he and his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, moved to the United States. The Royal and VIP Executive Committee, known as Ravec, made the decision based on an assessment that the Sussexes no longer required automatic protection.

In the ruling, judges Lord Justice David Bean, Lord Justice Andrew Edis, and Sir Geoffrey Vos stated that it was logical for Harry’s security to be reviewed based on his current circumstances. Sir Geoffrey Vos remarked, “It was impossible… to say that this reasoning was illogical or inappropriate. Indeed it seemed sensible.”

Harry’s legal team argued that he has faced unique threats, claiming he inherited a security risk at birth due to his royal status and past military service. Notably, Harry has highlighted fears for his family’s safety due to incidents involving extremist threats that target him personally. His concerns were outlined during the appeal, emphasizing a lack of adequate institutional protection.

In previous legal battles, Harry has also challenged tabloid media practices regarding privacy violations, claiming they have intruded into his life for years. Recently, he won a substantial settlement from one publisher for unlawful information gathering.

Despite his legal troubles, Harry has not commented on the latest ruling. He and Meghan have not returned to the U.K. with their children since 2022, relying instead on private security since losing their official protection. The ongoing legal conflicts have strained relationships within the royal family, particularly with his father, King Charles III.