The High Court ruled that the government had not acted unlawfully when it made the decision. Lawyers for the Duke of Sussex had argued that officials failed to properly consider the impact of a “successful attack” on him.
By Daniel Binns, news reporter
Prince Harry has lost a legal challenge against the government’s decision to take away his police protection when he is in the UK.
His lawyers had argued that he was “singled out” and treated “less favourably” in the decision to change the level of his taxpayer-funded personal security.
It was claimed that a failure to carry out a risk analysis and fully consider the impact of a “successful attack” on him meant the approach to his protection was “unlawful and unfair”.
But in a ruling on Wednesday, retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane rejected the Duke of Sussex‘s case.
He ruled the decision to remove police protection was not unlawful or “irrational”, and that there had been no “procedural unfairness”.
The judge added: “Even if such procedural unfairness occurred, the court would in any event be prevented from granting the claimant [Prince Harry] relief.
“This is because, leaving aside any such unlawfulness, it is highly likely that the outcome for the claimant would not have been substantially different.”
Most of the court proceedings were held in private – without the public or the press present – because of confidential evidence over security measures.
Prince Harry launched his legal action in February 2020 following the decision by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), which has delegated responsibility from the Home Office for such security arrangements.
The government argued the claim should be dismissed, because Ravec was entitled to conclude the duke’s protection should be “bespoke” and considered on a “case-by-case” basis.
In an interview last year Prince Harry said he was “stunned” when his security was taken away.
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James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
