In a notable public appearance, Prince Harry recently made his way to London’s Royal Courts of Justice to engage in a legal battle concerning the government’s decision to modify his security arrangements following his departure from royal duties. The situation has been described as “unjustified” by his legal representatives.
Prince Harry, the younger son of King Charles, is aiming to reverse a decision made by the Home Office—the governmental body overseeing policing—which stated in February 2020 that he would no longer receive automatic personal police security while in the UK.
Last year, London’s High Court ruled that the Home Office’s decision was lawful, subsequently denying Prince Harry permission to escalate the matter to a higher court. However, the Court of Appeal has accepted his legal team’s request to reconsider the case.
Upon arrival for the two-day hearing, Prince Harry appeared cheerful, greeting onlookers with smiles and waves. He attentively followed the proceedings in a full courtroom, occasionally relaying notes to his legal counsel.
“It means he has been singled out for different, unjustified, and inferior treatment,” his lawyer stated, emphasizing that the prince does not wish to receive the same level of security as when he was an active member of the royal family.
In their written submissions, Prince Harry’s attorneys pointed out that al-Qaeda had recently issued threats against him, highlighting his and Meghan Markle’s terrifying experience of being chased by paparazzi in New York City earlier this year.
According to the Sun newspaper, Prince Harry, aged 40, arrived in the UK from California. There is uncertainty surrounding whether he has met with any family members, particularly given the estrangement that has developed following his public criticisms of them and royal aides.
Currently, King Charles and Queen Camilla, Prince Harry’s stepmother, are on a state visit to Italy to commemorate their 20th wedding anniversary.
This visit by Prince Harry also coincides with a high-profile dispute involving the chief executive of his charity, Sentebale—established in memory of his late mother, Princess Diana. Sophie Chandauka has raised serious allegations of bullying and racism against him, while Prince Harry has labeled the situation as “heartbreaking” after stepping back from his role at the charity.
During the opening of today’s hearing, Geoffrey Vos, the Master of the Rolls and the second most senior judge in England and Wales, mentioned that while some evidence could not be disclosed publicly, he aimed to ensure that as much of the hearing as possible would be accessible to the public.
Prior to stepping back from royal duties and relocating to the United States with Meghan Markle in March 2020, Prince Harry and other senior royals received comprehensive, publicly funded security protection. Following his departure, the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures determined that Prince Harry would no longer qualify for the same level of state-funded security.
In its court submission, the government argued that security provisions should be influenced by specific circumstances, claiming that Prince Harry’s appeal amounted to “a continued failure to see the wood for the trees.” They contended that mere disagreement with their decision does not constitute valid grounds for appeal.
This case represents just one of several legal pursuits Prince Harry has engaged in over recent years, as he has previously initiated actions against numerous British newspapers for breaches of privacy and phone hacking incidents.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
