Prince Harry’s Appeal Over Police Protection Denied by UK High Court
Prince Harry's initial appeal to reinstate his police protection in the UK was denied, a court spokesperson confirmed on Monday. The case, which has been closely followed, stems from the government's decision to alter the terms of his security arrangements.
Decision to Remove Police Protection
In February 2020, the Home Office decided to remove the automatic entitlement to personal police security that Harry had enjoyed as a senior member of the Royal Family. This decision came shortly before he stepped back from royal duties and moved to California with his wife, Meghan, in March 2020.
Legal Arguments and Court Ruling
During a legal hearing in December, Harry's lawyers argued that removing his security protection was an arbitrary and unjustified action that exposed him to potential harm. They described the treatment as unfair and unlawful, challenging the basis on which the decision was made.
Contrarily, the government's legal team argued that the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC) had not intended to completely strip Harry of protection. Instead, they sought to modify the terms under which he was protected, reflecting his changed status and reduced royal duties.
The High Court ultimately sided with the government, ruling that the decision was lawful and dismissing Harry's lawsuit.
Prince Harry lost his first attempt to appeal against the dismissal of his legal challenge over the UK government's decision to take away his police protection when he is in Britain, a court spokesperson said https://t.co/5gpM6Eql0s pic.twitter.com/ABTHzIj5o6
— Reuters (@Reuters) April 15, 2024
Source: Twitter/Reuters
Appeal and Next Steps
The court's recent refusal to grant an appeal further underscores this decision, although the prince retains the option to escalate his challenge by applying directly to the Court of Appeal.
This legal battle highlights ongoing tensions regarding the security arrangements for royals who step back from their official duties, particularly those who choose to reside abroad. As the situation develops, further legal proceedings may shed more light on the balance between public duty and personal security for high-profile individuals outside the immediate Royal Family.
FAQs
1. What was the basis of Prince Harry's lawsuit?
- Prince Harry's lawsuit was based on the decision by the Home Office to discontinue his automatic entitlement to personal police security while in the UK, arguing that the removal was arbitrary, unfair, and unjustified.
2. Why did the High Court dismiss Prince Harry's lawsuit?
- The High Court dismissed the lawsuit on the grounds that the decision made by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC) to alter Harry's security arrangements was lawful, given his changed status and reduced royal duties.
3. What did Prince Harry's legal team argue?
- Prince Harry's legal team contended that the withdrawal of his police protection subjected him to unlawful, unfair, and unjustifiable treatment, putting him at risk.
4. What can Prince Harry do following the refusal of his appeal by the High Court?
- Following the High Court's refusal to grant his appeal, Prince Harry has the option to take his case directly to the Court of Appeal to continue fighting the decision.
5. How does the court's decision affect Prince Harry's security arrangements?
- The court's decision means that Prince Harry will not automatically receive the same level of personal police security he had before stepping back from royal duties, unless he successfully appeals the decision or the terms are otherwise revised.
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