Prince Harry has lost a Court of Appeal challenge against the UK government's decision to provide him with a reduced level of taxpayer-funded security while in the country. The Duke of Sussex had appealed a High Court ruling that upheld the Home Office's decision to downgrade his protection after he stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
Three Court of Appeal judges, led by Sir Geoffrey Vos, rejected Harry's arguments that the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) had treated him unfairly by singling him out for inferior treatment. In his ruling, Sir Geoffrey noted that Harry's sense of grievance was “powerful and moving” but did not translate into a legal argument.
The court found that Ravec's decision to apply a bespoke process for the Duke was understandable and sensible, given his changed circumstances. The judges agreed that Harry could not succeed in his challenge against the dismissal of his initial High Court claim.
Harry's legal team had argued that Ravec failed to seek an assessment from the Risk Management Board, but the court concluded that even if such an assessment had been obtained, it would not have altered the decision. The ruling means the Home Office can proceed with a cheaper, bespoke security arrangement for Harry and his family.
Under the current arrangement, the Sussexes must provide 30 days' notice of any planned visit to the UK, with each trip assessed separately for security needs. The Duke had argued that this process was unfair and left him vulnerable, but the court deemed it logical and appropriate.
