Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is back in the High Court today, challenging the decision to scale back his security in the UK.
In a heartfelt witness statement, he expressed his concerns about the safety of his children, Archie and Lilibet, and his desire for them to consider the UK as their home.
Having stepped back as senior royals in 2020, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, were forced to leave the country.
However, Harry emphasized that it was not their choice to abandon their roles within the royal family.
Their departure was a decision made with great sadness, as they felt compelled to prioritize the safety of their family.
During the hearing in London on December 7, Harry’s barrister, Shahid Fatima Casey, read out a portion of the Duke’s statement.
In it, Harry expressed his deep attachment to the UK, stating, “The UK is my home.
The UK is central to the heritage of my children and a place I want them to feel at home as much as where they live at the moment in the US.”
Harry’s primary concern is the inability to ensure the safety of his family while on UK soil.
He firmly believes that if his children cannot be adequately protected, it would be irresponsible to expose his wife, Meghan, to any potential danger.
Drawing from his own life experiences, Harry expressed his reluctance to unnecessarily put himself in harm’s way as well.
At the heart of Prince Harry’s legal challenge lies an order issued by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee in 2020, which significantly reduced his security detail.
Di Davies, the former head of security for the royal family, shared his perspective on GB News, revealing that this legal battle could cost taxpayers around £1 million.
Davies clarified that Prince Harry receives protection whenever he is in the UK, given his status as a prince.
However, what he seeks is armed protection, a privilege he has enjoyed for several years.
Although the Duke brings his own security teams, they are not armed, although some members have previously served as royalty protection officers.
Davies assured that if there is any threat or issue, Harry will receive the necessary protection.
While some may view this legal challenge as unnecessary, Davies believes it is merely a storm in a teacup, potentially burdening taxpayers with a significant financial cost.
The outcome of Prince Harry’s case will determine the extent to which his concerns about the safety of his family are acknowledged and addressed.