U.K. Government Security Protection for Prince Harry Denied After Appeal Rejection
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Prince Harry's bid to challenge the U.K. government over his security had a dead end on Friday, with the Court of Appeal denying his appeal. Harry had argued that he was being singled out for inferior treatment, but the ruling confirms that the committee responsible for security allocation decisions made no errors.
The decision means that the Duke of Sussex may have to foot a hefty bill to cover both his legal fees and those of the U.K. government, which will likely leave a bitter taste in his mouth. It's yet unclear if he will take the fight to the U.K. Supreme Court.
At the heart of this battle lies a committee known as the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC), which holds the power to decide royal and public figure security arrangements. This ruling further bolsters their authority, affirming the U.K. government's 2020 decision to cut off taxpayer-funded protection for Harry and Meghan post-Megxit.
A key implication of this ruling is that Harry's security will no longer be guaranteed when he visits the UK, and the RAVEC will be required to conduct a full risk assessment for each visit. This rejection of his proposal to personally fund his police protection places added constraints on the prince's options, leaving him largely reliant on privately-hired security during trips to the U.K.
The ongoing tension between Harry, Meghan, and the royal family is apparent, with Harry expressing feelings of being "badly treated." As a result, we may see fewer joint trips to the U.K. by the Sussex family, creating further distance between them and the royal framework.
Interestingly, this ruling also emphasizes the distinction in roles and privileges between Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William. While the ruling pertains to Harry, it serves to highlight William's continued status as the senior royal with guaranteed protection, underscoring their divergent paths post-Megxit.
This decision illustrates the U.K. government's adherence to fiscal responsibility and procedural due process in security allocation, while Harry faces the real-life consequences of his decision to step back from official royal duties.
- The duke, Prince Harry, is likely to feel frustrated as the Court of Appeal's decision to reject his appeal means he may have to cover the fees for both his legal proceedings and those of the U.K. government.
- The recent ruling further consolidates the power of the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC), emphasizing the authority to determine security arrangements for royals and public figures.
- Due to the rejection of Prince Harry's proposal to fund his police protection personally, a full risk assessment will now be required for each visit to the U.K., leaving him reliant on privately-hired security.
- The ongoing court battle can be seen as a reflection of the unlawful distinction in roles and privileges between Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William, with William retaining guaranteed protection as the senior royal.
