Prince Harry has issued an apology after breaching confidentiality rules during his legal battle against the Home Office by sharing information with Johnny Mercer.
Court documents have revealed that the Duke of Sussex breached a confidentiality ring in November 2023 when he sent the Veterans Minister details about the ongoing court case.
The Telegraph reported that Prince Harry and Tory MP Mercer have a close bond, having both served in Afghanistan.
Mercer has been a strong advocate for the Invictus Games, even leading the government’s efforts to host the 2027 event in Birmingham.
The duo were seen enjoying pints together at last year’s Games in Dorf, Germany.
Mr. Justice Lane disclosed the Prince’s breach in a costs ruling delivered on Monday.
In the ruling, it was stated that in November 2023, Prince Harry violated the terms of the confidentiality ring order by sharing specific information with a partner of Shilling’s who was not part of the confidentiality ring, as well as with Johnny Mercer MP.
Shahed Fatima Casey, the Duke’s barrister, identified the breach and informed Jenny Eyre, a solicitor at Shilling’s.
Following this incident, Harry’s attempt to appeal the High Court’s decision to reduce his personal security level during visits to the UK was unsuccessful.
As a result of losing the latest stage of his four-year legal battle with the British Home Office, Prince Harry is now facing significant legal fees to be paid to a team of top London lawyers.
His legal dispute with the Home Office began in 2020 when the government decided to withdraw taxpayer-funded private security from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are no longer working members of the royal family.
Despite residing in California and not carrying out official duties for the monarchy or the UK government, Prince Harry argued that he should still receive taxpayer-funded protection while visiting the UK.
The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures contended in court that the security change was appropriate considering Prince Harry’s altered status after stepping back from full-time royal duties.
In February, a London court dismissed Prince Harry’s case, and the High Court recently denied his request to appeal the decision.
Judge S. Lane emphasized in a detailed 52-page document that the security arrangements devised for Prince Harry by the Interior Ministry committee were legally valid.
Additionally, the judge ordered Prince Harry to cover 90% of the legal costs incurred by the Home Office, which are estimated to be substantial.
During a hearing at London’s High Court in December, Prince Harry expressed concerns about his personal safety due to the lack of security, stating that it hindered his ability to visit Britain.
Despite this, he has made several trips to the UK over the past four years and is scheduled to return to London in May for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games charity, which he founded.
Although his appeal rights in the High Court have been exhausted, Prince Harry is anticipated to directly petition the Court of Appeal for permission to challenge Judge S. Lane’s ruling.