The Duke of Sussex has lost a legal challenge over the level of taxpayer-funded security he is entitled to while in the UK. Three senior judges at the Court of Appeal rejected Prince Harry’s claim that he had been “singled out” for “inferior treatment” and that his safety was “at stake” after his security was downgraded in 2020.
Sir Geoffrey Vos, the Master of the Rolls, stated that the Duke’s “sense of grievance” did not translate into a legal argument to challenge the decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec). The ruling upholds a High Court decision from last year that Ravec’s decision was lawful.
Prince Harry’s barrister, Shaheed Fatima KC, had argued that his safety, security and life were “at stake”, emphasising the “human dimension” of the case. The Home Office opposed the appeal, with Sir James Eadie KC stating that Ravec faced a “unique set of circumstances”.
Following the ruling, Prince Harry could appeal to the Supreme Court, but would need permission. A Home Office spokesperson said the UK’s protective security system is “rigorous and proportionate”.
