Prince Harry to appeal after losing battle with Home Office over security arrangements
Prince Harry intends to appeal the recent ruling following his unsuccessful legal challenge against the Home Office regarding his security arrangements.
In the High Court ruling on Wednesday, Prince Harry's case against the government was dismissed, contesting a decision to alter the level of taxpayer-funded personal security provided to him during visits to the UK. The decision, made by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) in February 2020, stated that Prince Harry would no longer receive the same level of publicly-funded protection during his visits.
Retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane rejected Prince Harry's case, determining that Ravec's approach was neither irrational nor procedurally unfair. In his comprehensive 52-page ruling, Sir Peter noted that Prince Harry's legal team had taken an inappropriate formalist interpretation of the Ravec process, emphasizing that the bespoke process devised for Prince Harry was legally sound.
Despite the ruling, a legal spokesperson for Prince Harry announced his intention to appeal, emphasizing his desire for fair and lawful application of Ravec's rules, ensuring equal consideration as per Ravec's own policy.
Prince Harry's legal team argued in court that he was singled out and treated less favorably in the decision to alter his taxpayer-funded personal security level. They contended that the failure to conduct a risk analysis and fully consider the impact of a potential attack on him rendered the approach to his protection unlawful and unfair.
Prince Harry expressed concerns about the safety of his children in the UK, stating they couldn't feel at home there if their safety couldn't be guaranteed.
The Government defended its decision, stating that Ravec was entitled to conclude that Prince Harry's protection should be bespoke and assessed on a case-by-case basis. They argued that while Prince Harry was no longer under regular review by Ravec, he could be brought back within the security cohort in appropriate circumstances.
The decision by Ravec stemmed from Prince Harry's change in status after stepping back as a full-time working member of the royal family.
Sir Peter accepted comments from Sir Richard Mottram, former chairman of Ravec, who stated that even if he had received all of Prince Harry's legal arguments in February 2020, he would have reached the same decision for materially the same reasons.
Ravec, delegated by the Home Office, oversees protective security arrangements for members of the royal family and others, with involvement from the Metropolitan Police, the Cabinet Office, and the royal household.
Much of the proceedings were held in private due to confidential evidence concerning security measures for Prince Harry and other public figures.
A Home Office spokesperson stated that the government is pleased with the court's decision and is considering next steps, refraining from further comment due to the sensitivity of security arrangements.
This security case is one of three recent High Court cases involving Prince Harry, including claims against publishers News Group Newspapers and Associated Newspapers Limited.
Earlier this month, Prince Harry settled parts of his phone hacking claim against Mirror Group Newspapers, and in January, he withdrew a libel claim against Associated Newspapers Limited regarding a Mail on Sunday article.
Prince Harry, currently residing in North America with his wife Meghan and their children, announced their decision to step back as senior royals in January 2020.
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