Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is currently challenging the UK government in a legal battle over its decision to strip him and his family of the automatic taxpayer-funded police protection in 2020 after he and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped down from their roles as senior royals. The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, while considering his previous petition, decided that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would only receive security on a “case-by-case” basis while also rejecting the prince’s proposal to personally cover the cost of police protection during visits to the UK.
Harry, who now seeks a reversal of the earlier decision, has revealed that his life remains at risk without guaranteed security, particularly given his high-profile status.
Prince Harry’s lawyer urges court to consider humanity in his police protection suit
During the closing arguments of Harry’s legal challenge about his security arrangements at the Royal Courts of Justice, his lawyer, Shaheed Fatima KC, stated that her client’s safety and life were at risk. Fatima argued that Harry had been subjected to an unfair and inferior so-called “bespoke process,” contrary to claims that he received special treatment.
She highlighted that the decision to change his security provisions was reached during an informal meeting at Buckingham Palace in January 2020 rather than through the standard protocol of a formal Royal and VIP Executive Committee review. The lawyer, therefore, urged the court to consider humanity while giving its verdict on the matter.
Prince Harry’s Lawyer claims the couple remained committed to the royal family
The attorney also presented arguments to the court, explaining that when the Duke and Duchess stepped back from their roles as full-time working members of the Royal Family, they believed “they were not being protected by the institution,” prompting their decision to relieve themselves of official duties.
However, she noted that despite their decision, the couple had expressed their commitment to continue supporting the late Queen Elizabeth II in a private capacity, funding their endeavors while maintaining their connection to the Monarchy.