Prince Harry returns to London court in legal fight over royal protection

Prince Harry appeared at London’s Court of Appeal on Tuesday to contest the British government's decision to downgrade his security during visits to the UK, following his departure from royal duties in 2020.

The case stems from a 2020 ruling by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC), which decided that the Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan would no longer receive the same level of taxpayer-funded protection as working royals. The decision was made after the couple stepped back from their official royal roles and relocated to the US.

In a two-day hearing, Harry is appealing a previous High Court ruling that upheld the committee’s decision. While he is not expected to testify, he was present in court, seated quietly behind his legal team.

Harry’s barrister, Shaheed Fatima KC, argued that he had been “singled out for different unjustified and inferior treatment.” She claimed the committee failed to conduct a proper Risk Management Board (RMB) assessment before altering his security arrangements and instead adopted a “bespoke process” that lacked transparency and deviated from established policy.

According to written arguments submitted to the court, Fatima said the couple felt compelled to step back from royal duties because they believed the institution failed to protect them, despite their desire to continue supporting the monarchy privately.

Representing the Home Office, James Eadie KC defended the decision, noting that security had not been denied altogether but rather adjusted to reflect the duke’s new role and primary residence abroad. Eadie emphasized the complexity of such decisions, stating they rely heavily on expert judgment and broad criteria.

He added, “There are no right or wrong answers... the security expertise of those involved is likely to be critical.”

Portions of Wednesday’s session are expected to be held behind closed doors to discuss sensitive information about royal security.

The hearing comes after Harry expressed deep concern over the safety of his family in the UK. During a previous statement, he emphasized the importance of Britain in his children’s heritage and said, “I cannot put my wife in danger like that and, given my experiences in life, I am reluctant to unnecessarily put myself in harm’s way too.”

This legal battle is one of several the duke is engaged in. Earlier this year, he reached a settlement with Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers over historic allegations of phone hacking. Harry described the outcome as a “monumental victory.”

The appeal also follows recent controversy involving the prince’s resignation from Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in memory of his late mother, Princess Diana. Charity chair Sophie Chandauka accused Harry of bullying and misogyny—a claim he denies, stating he resigned “in shock” and “heartbroken.” The UK Charity Commission has since launched a compliance review.

Meanwhile, King Charles and Queen Camilla are currently abroad on a state visit to Italy and are not expected to return during the hearing.