Prince Harry Continues Legal Battle Over Security Rights in the U.K.

In a significant legal hearing, Prince Harry contests the decision that stripped him and Meghan Markle of their royal security protection after stepping back from royal duties.

On Tuesday, the Court of Appeal in London will kick off two days of hearings focused on Prince Harry's legal dispute concerning the termination of publicly funded security for his family while they are in the U.K. This case arises after Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, opted to step back from their royal duties in early 2020. Following their announcement, a government committee determined that the couple would no longer be entitled to the police protection traditionally afforded to senior members of the royal family.

Harry's legal team argues that this decision violates established policies concerning the provision of security. Although his initial claims were dismissed in February last year, a judge later permitted him to appeal, suggesting that there might be a genuine basis for success in the challenge despite initial hesitations. The upcoming hearings will see three judges review arguments presented by Harry’s lawyers, with some parts of the discussions remaining confidential due to the sensitive nature of evidence regarding security protocols and risk evaluations.

This case stems from a decision announced on February 28, 2020, which stated that Harry and Meghan’s eligibility for public security ended when they stepped away from their official roles and relocated to Canada—later moving to California as well. The implications of this ruling have attracted significant media attention and public interest, marking it as a pivotal moment in the ongoing narrative of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex since their departure from frontline royal duties.