Harry's Court Appeal to Restore UK Security Loses: A Recap
Harry, Prince, calls for reassessment of royal security agency following defeat in court appeal.
After challenging the High Court's decision that upheld the Home Office's ruling to scale down his security arrangements in the UK, Prince Harry lost his appeal at the Court of Appeal on May 2, 2025.
The Duke of Sussex has expressed dissatisfaction with the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) for downgrading his security protection. He has requested Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to scrutinize Ravec and its members, arguing that their influence over security could potentially be used to control family members.
Harry's legal battle came to light after his move out of the UK along with his family to Canada and later to California, following their decision to step back as senior royals. Judge Sir Geoffrey Vos, who presided over the case, stated in a summary that the decision made by Ravec was "understandable and perhaps predictable."
During the hearing, Harry questioned the independence of Ravec given the involvement of the royal household in its decision-making process. He emphasized his concern that security might be used to control family members and suggested that the status quo effectively imprisons them from living different lives.
Harry argued against Ravec's failure to follow its usual practice of obtaining an annual risk analysis from the risk management board. However, Judge Sir Geoffrey Vos concluded that the duke's legal team had not been able to prove the High Court judge, Sir Peter Lane, was wrong.
In light of the ruling, Harry stated that it is now "impossible" for him to safely bring Meghan and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to the UK, pointing out that his father holds the power to invite him back.
The Home Office acknowledged the court's decision and reaffirmed the integrity of the UK's protective security system. The Duke's security arrangements will continue to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis during his UK visits.
- Prince Harry
- Prince Harry Meghan Markle
- UK Government
News, World News
- Prince Harry, dissatisfied with the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) for downgrading his security protection, called on the UK Government to conduct a thorough investigation of Ravec and its members.
- The Home Office, aware of the ongoing political implications, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the UK's protective security system, stating that Harry's security arrangements would continue to be evaluated case-by-case during his UK visits.
- In a move that raises questions about the power dynamics within the royal family, Harry argued that the royal household's involvement in Ravec's decision-making process could potentially be used to control family members.
- The dismissal of Harry's court appeal to restore his UK security has led to concerns about the safety of Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, as Harry believes it is now impossible for them to safely bring their family to the UK.
- The high-profile court case, involving issues of security, politics, and royal family affairs, has become a major topic of general-news coverage, with many questioning the fairness and independence of Ravec's policies in relation to the protection of royal family members.
