Prince Harry Faces Legal Battle for Meghan Markle’s UK Return
Prince Harry has been granted permission to appeal the British government’s decision to deny him police protection in the UK. The Court of Appeal has allowed the Duke of Sussex to challenge a previous ruling by the High Court. This legal battle is crucial for Harry, who argues that without police protection, it is unsafe for him, Meghan Markle, and their children to return to the UK.
The Duke of Sussex has been fighting for the right to pay for his own police protection since he and Meghan stepped down from their senior royal roles in 2020. The couple moved to California, citing a lack of support from palace officials and the British press’s racist attitudes towards Meghan. Despite their departure, Harry maintains that his security risks remain high due to his royal status and military service.
Harry’s legal team argues that the police should be allowed to charge for certain services, including providing security for high-profile individuals. They contend that Harry should be able to pay for police protection to ensure his family’s safety while in the UK. However, the Home Office has rejected this claim, stating that it would be inappropriate to put officers in harm’s way for payment.
Judge Martin Chamberlain, who ruled against Harry in the High Court, stated that the police services required for protecting high-profile individuals are different from those provided at events like sports matches. He argued that these services involve highly trained officers who must put themselves in danger, and it would be unreasonable to offer such protection for a fee.
Despite this setback, Harry’s fight is far from over. He has another ongoing judicial review lawsuit against the British government regarding his police protection. His lawyers continue to argue that the current legislation allows for police services to be charged for, and Harry should be able to pay for the necessary protection.
The Home Office has argued that Harry already receives exceptional status, with police protection provided for official royal events on a case-by-case basis. For example, he was protected during Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and King Charles III’s coronation. However, this protection does not extend to his private visits, which has led to Harry and Meghan limiting their movements while in the UK.
Harry first requested to pay for his police protection during a family meeting at Sandringham in January 2020. He argues that without this protection, it is not safe for him and his family to return to the UK. A statement from January 2022 emphasized that Harry inherited a lifelong security risk and that his profile as a royal has not diminished, nor has the threat to his family.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex currently fund a private security team, but this cannot replicate the necessary police protection in the UK. Harry’s legal team argues that he should be allowed to cover the cost of police protection to avoid burdening British taxpayers.
Some elements of Harry’s first judicial review were rejected in July 2022, but others were allowed to proceed to a full hearing. He will need to prove his case to force the UK government to reconsider its decision on his police protection arrangements.
The Metropolitan Police have argued that it would be unjust to allow a wealthy individual to pay for protective security, as this would divert resources from those deemed to warrant protection by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC). They also argue that allowing individuals to pay for protection would set a precedent for other wealthy individuals to demand the same services.
Harry’s legal battle comes amid ongoing tensions with his family. He has had a strained relationship with his father, King Charles III, and his brother, Prince William, since stepping down from his royal duties. Harry’s recent visits to the UK have been brief and focused on official events, with little interaction with his family.
The Duke of Sussex’s fight for police protection is not just about his safety but also about his ability to return to the UK with his family. Without the necessary protection, Harry argues that it is not safe for Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to visit his home country.
As Harry continues his legal battle, the outcome will have significant implications for his future visits to the UK and his relationship with the royal family. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they navigate their new lives outside the royal fold.
