Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Prince Harry Escorted from London High Court Hearing Amid Supporter Disruption
London, UK – Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, was briefly removed from a High Court hearing in London on Wednesday after a woman in the public gallery caused a disturbance. The incident occurred as the Duke attended court as part of his ongoing legal challenge seeking to reinstate taxpayer-funded security protection from the UK government.
Unexpected Interruption Leads to Courtroom Exit
The Duke, aged 40, was accompanied by his security detail when he was led out of the courtroom. The disruption was attributed to a woman, believed to be in her 50s, who voiced her support for the Prince. Her actions led to a temporary halt in the proceedings.
Woman’s Behavior Draws Attention
The woman had earlier attracted notice by arriving late to the court. Once inside, she reportedly continued to create a distraction within the court. Sources indicate she was observed moving around in her seat, interacting with two mobile phones, and leafing through a notebook, causing unease during the sensitive hearing.
Security Detail Vigilant
David Langdown, Prince Harry’s long-serving security officer, was reportedly seen monitoring the woman closely. According to reports, Langdown remained attentive to her behavior, prepared to intervene if her actions escalated further and became a greater disturbance.
Prince Escorted to Safety
Langdown and his colleague subsequently escorted the Duke of Sussex from the Royal Courts of Justice, ensuring a buffer between the Prince and the disruptive woman. As Prince Harry passed her in the gallery, appearing visibly strained, the woman exclaimed, “I support you Prince Harry.”
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Press Blamed by Supporter
The woman further directed comments towards members of the press present at the High Court. She was reportedly overheard saying, “If you’re members of the press, you’re the reason he’s not in England,” indicating her belief that media attention was contributing to the Duke’s security concerns and his relocation outside of the UK.
Hearing Resumes After Incident
Court security swiftly intervened, removing the woman from the courtroom. Following this brief interruption, Prince Harry and his security team returned, and the private portion of the hearing continued as scheduled.
Legal Team Argues for Security Reinstatement
During Wednesday’s hearing, Prince Harry’s legal representatives argued that he and his wife, Meghan Markle, felt they were “forced” to step back from their roles as senior royals. The legal team emphasized to the court the couple’s desire to have continued to support the late Queen Elizabeth II in an official capacity, albeit as privately funded members of the Royal Family.
Security Protocol Questioned
The legal team further asserted that a formalized process was not properly followed before Prince Harry and Meghan were stripped of their publicly funded security detail. The court heard that his security arrangements “does not appear to have been discussed at any formal RAVEC [Royal and VIP Executive Committee] meeting,” according to Harry’s legal counsel.
Meeting at Buckingham Palace
Instead of a RAVEC discussion, the court was informed that a meeting took place at Buckingham Palace on January 27, 2020, to address the security matter. Prince Harry’s lawyer contended that RAVEC deviated from established procedure and did not provide adequate documentation explaining the decision to remove his security privileges.
Claims of Unfair Treatment
The legal team also argued that the Duke of Sussex was subjected to “different, unjustified and inferior treatment,” receiving a lower level of protection compared to others within the “Other VIP Category.” They asserted that the UK’s handling of his security arrangements was “unlawful and unfair.” Furthermore, Prince Harry’s lawyers cautioned about the potential repercussions for the United Kingdom’s reputation should a successful attack occur against him due to inadequate security.
Security Concerns for Family
Prince Harry has voiced concerns about the safety of returning to the UK with his wife, Meghan, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. He has stated that he feels it is currently “too dangerous” to bring his family to his home country due to the perceived security risks.