Prince Harry Appeals Security Decision in U.K. Court

Prince Harry is set to contest a ruling regarding his security arrangements at a two-day Court of Appeal hearing.

On Tuesday, the Court of Appeal in London will initiate a two-day hearing focused on Prince Harry's legal challenge against the British government's withdrawal of publicly funded security for him and his family during their visits to the U.K. Following the couple's decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to Canada in 2020, an official committee determined that Harry and Meghan Markle no longer qualified for police protection.

Although Harry faced setbacks in a previous hearing, a judge permitted him to appeal, stating there exists a “real prospect of success,” albeit with reservations. During this week’s proceedings, three judges will examine arguments from Harry's legal team, asserting that the withdrawal of protection contravened official policy. Given the sensitive nature of the material related to security assessments, some portions of the hearings will be conducted privately.

The crux of the case lies in a Feb. 28, 2020 decision that stripped Harry and Meghan of their police protection after their royal exit. Following their relocation from Vancouver to California in March 2020, concerns regarding their anonymity and safety have continued to loom large, particularly for Harry, who is fighting for a reinstatement of protection during their return to the U.K.

This development comes as Harry has been vocal about issues surrounding personal safety and public scrutiny, which he attributes to their royal status and subsequent withdrawal from royal duties. The upcoming hearings are anticipated to address these significant security concerns directly, as Harry and Meghan navigate their lives away from the firm under the intense scrutiny of the public eye.