Prince Harry faced a setback as a Court of Appeal judge instructed him not to jump the queue in his appeal against a High Court ruling.
The Duke of Sussex, who recently obtained permission to challenge a decision denying him automatic police protection, had hoped for a swift resolution by the end of July.
This move was prompted by concerns that the ruling could impact his security arrangements in other nations.
The legal battle began when the Home Office decided in February 2020 not to provide Prince Harry with personal police security while in the UK.
Despite his efforts, the High Court upheld the government’s decision as lawful back in February and subsequently rejected his request to contest the ruling in a higher court in April.
However, Harry’s lawyers successfully pushed for an appeal to be heard by the Court of Appeal.
Although Lord Justice granted permission for the appeal, he declined to expedite the proceedings, emphasizing that royal status does not warrant special treatment in the legal process.
Prior to relocating to California with Meghan, Harry received publicly funded security, which was later reduced by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (REVEC).
In a recent development, Judge David Bin acknowledged the potential merit in Harry’s argument that REVEC deviated from its own policies, signaling a chance of success in the appeal.
However, the judge maintained that the issue of costs would need to be revisited should Prince Harry emerge victorious.
Meanwhile, the Duke’s ongoing legal battles have left him concerned about the time and resources required, especially with other matters demanding attention from October onwards.
On a different note, tensions within the royal family seem to persist as sources suggest that King Charles is displeased with the limited contact he has had with his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.
Despite occasional video calls, the monarch desires a more active role in their lives, prioritizing family connections above all else.
Prince Harry’s frequent visits to the UK have not been accompanied by his wife and children, who have resided in California since 2020.
The complexities of Prince Harry’s legal struggles and the emotional dynamics within the royal family continue to unfold, hinting at deeper rifts and unresolved issues.
As the Duke navigates his legal challenges and personal relationships, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the intricate web of obligations and expectations that come with his royal status.