Prince Harry has broken his silence and announced his intention to appeal a recent decision regarding his security arrangements in the United Kingdom.
The Prince took legal action against the Home Office following changes made to his security detail when he stepped down from his role as a member of the Royal Family.
This development comes after a legal challenge against the Home Office, wherein Prince Harry lost the battle over his entitlement to automatic police protection.
In response to the ruling delivered by retired High Court Judge Sir Peter Lane on February 28, Prince Harry’s legal team expressed their plans to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.
The court found that the decision to remove taxpayer-funded security from the Prince was justified, with no breach of the law or procedural unfairness detected.
Despite this setback, the Duke of Sussex remains steadfast in his pursuit of justice.
The Duke’s legal spokesperson emphasized that the appeal aims to challenge the decision-making process involving the Royal and VIP Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAFEQ), which comprises the Home Office, the Royal Household, and the Metropolitan Police.
The crux of the matter lies in the alleged failure of RAFEQ to adhere to its own protocols when handling Prince Harry’s security classification.
During the legal proceedings, it was revealed that RAFEQ operates under three distinct categories: role-based, casual, and other VIP.
Prince Harry asserts that he is not seeking special treatment but rather a fair application of RAFEQ’s guidelines, ensuring equal treatment in line with established policies.
The Duke’s legal team contends that the bespoke process tailored for him does not adequately substitute a comprehensive risk assessment, a key element in determining appropriate security measures.
The legal dispute stems from the decision made in February 2020 by RAFEQ to alter the level of protection afforded to Prince Harry while in the UK.
Following his relocation to the United States with his wife, Meghan Markle, concerns arose regarding the safety of their family should they return to the UK without adequate security measures in place.
The High Court’s ruling, which dismissed the possibility of compensating Prince Harry for any perceived injustice, underscores the complex nature of his security predicament.
As Prince Harry awaits the outcome of his appeal, he continues to reside in Montecito, California, with Meghan and their children.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, the family is scheduled to visit the UK in May to attend a special event commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games at St Paul’s Cathedral.
The intricacies of the security arrangements surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex reflect the delicate balance between personal safety and public scrutiny in the realm of royalty.