Prince Harry faced a significant setback as he lost a legal battle in the High Court against the Home Office regarding a decision to alter his personal security arrangements during visits to the UK.
This ruling is expected to have a profound impact on his efforts to mend relations with the royal family, according to a renowned royal expert.
The Duke of Sussex suffered a blow when his challenge against the Home Office’s decision to reduce his security level upon visits to the UK was dismissed by the High Court.
This development is likely to hamper his attempts at reconciliation with the royals.
Despite the setback, Prince Harry intends to appeal the ruling, with his legal team expressing hope for a just outcome.
Following their decision to step down as senior members of the royal family and relocate to the United States in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had their security privileges revoked.
Prince Harry contested the Executive Committee’s ruling that he would no longer receive the same level of publicly funded protection while in the UK.
However, retired High Court Judge Sir Peter Lane ruled against the Duke’s case, asserting that the decision was not irrational or procedurally unfair.
The court’s decision on Wednesday poses a new challenge for Prince Harry, who has expressed a desire to bring his family back to the UK.
A royal expert has identified three critical areas that will be impacted by the ruling: Prince Harry’s reconciliation efforts with the royal family, Meghan Markle’s relationship with the royals and the likelihood of their return to the UK, and the impact on Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet’s ties with the monarchy.
Tessa Dunlop, the royal expert, highlighted the potential implications of the ruling on Prince Harry’s ongoing efforts to mend his relationship with the royal family.
She noted that the Duke’s recent attempts to reconcile could be hindered by the court’s decision, making future reunions with the Prince and his young family less probable.
The rejection of the Sussexes’ security concerns by the court may further strain their ties with the royal family.
Regarding Meghan Markle’s prospects of returning to the UK, Dunlop suggested that the court ruling would likely deter any immediate plans for her to visit.
Given Prince Harry’s legal battles and the security issues surrounding his wife, it appears unlikely that Meghan will return to Britain anytime soon.
As a former working member of the royal family, Meghan had enjoyed full royal protection in the UK, but the recent ruling may impact her sense of security.
In addition to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the expert also highlighted the potential impact on the couple’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
She expressed sadness over the possibility of an ailing monarch being unable to spend time with his grandchildren due to the strained family relations exacerbated by the court ruling.
The prospect of joyful family reunions seems increasingly remote in the aftermath of this legal setback.