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Prince Harry Appeals for Enhanced UK Security, Citing Unfair Treatment
Prince Harry believes he has been “singled out” for “unjustified, inferior treatment” regarding his security arrangements in the UK since stepping back from royal duties, the Court of Appeal in London heard today. The Duke of Sussex is challenging the level of royal protection afforded to him and his family when visiting Britain, arguing for taxpayer-funded security. His legal team asserts that Harry, Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet require comprehensive protection for their safety in his home country.
Duke and Duchess of Sussex Felt ‘Forced’ to Withdraw from Royal Roles
Shaheed Fatima KC, representing the Duke, stated that Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle “felt compelled to withdraw” from frontline royal duties in 2020 because “they believed they were not receiving adequate protection from the institution.” This perception of insufficient security contributed to their decision to step back as senior royals.
High Court Appeal Over Security Ruling
Prince Harry travelled 5,000 miles to attend the Royal Courts of Justice, supporting his two-day appeal against a previous ruling concerning his entitlement, and that of Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet, to taxpayer-funded bodyguards during UK visits. The appeal challenges the decision regarding their royal security protection upon returning to Britain.
Government Barrister Counters Duke’s Claim
However, the Home Office’s legal representative countered, arguing that the Duke of Sussex’s appeal “demonstrates a persistent failure to grasp the essential point.” The government maintains its stance on the revised security arrangements for the Duke.
King Charles and Prince Harry Did Not Meet
MailOnline reports suggest that Prince Harry did not meet with his father, King Charles, before the monarch departed for a four-day state visit to Italy this week. Despite Harry’s presence in the UK, a meeting between father and son reportedly did not occur.
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Legal Challenge and Taxpayer Costs
The Duke of Sussex is challenging the dismissal of his High Court legal action against the Home Office. This legal challenge centres on the decision by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) to grant him a different level of protection compared to when he was a full-time working royal. The case has incurred £500,000 in costs to the British taxpayer to date.
‘Singled Out’ for ‘Inferior Treatment’, Argues Legal Team
Opening the appeal, Ms. Fatima asserted that Prince Harry has been “singled out” for “inferior treatment” following the removal of his previous high-level Metropolitan Police protection. She argued that Ravec’s February 2020 decision regarding the Duke’s protective security did not adhere to its own guidelines, employing a “different and so-called ‘bespoke process’.”
Ms. Fatima elaborated, “The appellant [Prince Harry] does not accept that ‘bespoke’ equates to ‘better’. In his view, it signifies that he has been subjected to distinct, unjustified, and substandard treatment.”
Prince Harry Observes Court Proceedings
Prince Harry was present in court during his legal counsel’s arguments.
Shaheed Fatima KC, observed by her client, the Duke of Sussex, during the hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice concerning his security.
The Duke of Sussex (pictured today) has been “singled out for different, unjustified and inferior treatment”, the Court of Appeal heard during the royal’s challenge over his UK security provisions.
A sombre Prince Harry arrived at the High Court in London today.
The Duke of Sussex is at the Royal Courts of Justice for the commencement of his appeal against a High Court ruling in his legal claim against the Home Office.
The Duke of Sussex’s appeal against the dismissal of his legal challenge over the level of protection afforded to him and his family (pictured together at Christmas) during UK visits is underway at the Court of Appeal.
The Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan Markle “felt compelled to withdraw” from frontline royal duties in 2020 because “they believed they were not receiving adequate protection from the institution,” his KC Shaheed Fatima (pictured today) stated.
‘Fundamental Right to Safety and Security’
In written submissions, Ms. Fatima KC emphasized, “This appeal concerns the most fundamental right: to personal safety and security.” She highlighted the significance of security as a basic entitlement.
She continued, “On January 8, 2020, (the Duke of Sussex) and his wife felt compelled to withdraw from their roles as full-time official working members of the royal family as they considered they were not being protected by the institution. However, they wished to continue supporting the late Queen as privately funded members of the royal family.”
Lack of Informed Input to Ravec
Ms. Fatima later argued that Prince Harry was “not positioned to provide informed representations to Ravec,” suggesting a lack of proper consultation in the decision-making process.
She added, “(His) security arrangements do not appear to have been discussed at any formal Ravec meeting, and no official notes or detailed minutes record the approach taken to (his) security and its rationale.”
Ravec ‘Failed to Follow Own Rules’
According to Ms. Fatima KC, Ravec did not adhere to its own guidelines when it reduced Prince Harry’s security level in February 2020, following his and Meghan’s announcement of stepping back from royal duties and relocating to North America.
She contended that “the judge who previously ruled Ravec had acted correctly, was mistaken.”
Risk Management Board Assessment Allegedly Not Commissioned
Ms. Fatima stated that Ravec’s guidelines required commissioning an assessment of Prince Harry’s specific security requirements from the Risk Management Board. She alleged this assessment was not conducted, and Ravec instead reached its decision through “bespoke” means.
She reiterated, “The appellant [the Duke of Sussex] does not accept that bespoke implies superior – in his view, it indicates he has been singled out for distinct, inferior treatment.”
Hearing to Conclude Wednesday
The hearing, presided over by Sir Geoffrey Vos, Lord Justice Bean, and Lord Justice Edis, is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, with a written decision expected at a later date.
King Charles’s Italy State Visit
Simultaneously, it is disclosed that King Charles is not believed to have met his youngest son upon Harry’s arrival in London from California over the weekend, preceding today’s High Court proceedings. The Duke of Sussex arrived from Los Angeles on Sunday, while King Charles spent the weekend at Highgrove, his private Gloucestershire residence, preparing for his State Visit to Italy.
His Majesty and Queen Camilla subsequently flew directly from RAF Brize Norton to Rome on Monday afternoon. Furthermore, reports indicate Harry did not attend the wedding of a close friend, despite being invited and being in the UK.
As Harry entered the Royal Courts of Justice for the 10 am hearing, King Charles and Queen Camilla received a ceremonial welcome in Italy, including a flypast by the Italian air force display team, Frecce Tricolori, and the RAF’s Red Arrows at the Quirinale Palace on Tuesday.
Duke of Sussex’s Travel for Appeal
The Duke of Sussex travelled 5,000 miles to be at the High Court in London to support his appeal regarding his level of security, and that of Meghan Markle, Archie, and Lilibet, while in his birth country.
Prince Harry, dressed in a suit, white shirt, and tie, appeared serious as he arrived, firmly holding his mobile phone. He offered a brief smile and wave upon entering the building.
Personal Bodyguard Present
Harry’s long-serving personal bodyguard, Dave Langdown, 57, a former Metropolitan Police officer, entered the courtroom 20 minutes prior to the case’s commencement. He surveyed the room to ensure its security before the Prince’s arrival.
Harry waved to onlookers outside, amidst ongoing disputes with the UK Government and his family.
Despite being in the UK concurrently, sources suggest Prince Harry did not meet his father, pictured today in Rome with Queen Camilla.
Prince Harry Enters Courtroom
At 10:24 am, Prince Harry entered the courtroom, wearing a charcoal grey suit. Offering a restrained smile to the media, he took a seat in the third row, behind his King’s Counsel barristers, Shaheed Fatima and Jason Pobjoy.
Mr. Langdown took a seat in the public gallery behind Prince Harry.
Armed Bodyguards and Safety Concerns
Prince Harry maintains that he is entitled to armed bodyguards, funded by the British taxpayer. He is contesting the 2020 decision to reduce his security level after he and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties and relocated to the United States. He has voiced safety anxieties about returning to the UK with his wife and children.
Timing of UK Arrival and King’s State Visit
Prince Harry arrived in the UK shortly before King Charles III departed for his state visit to Italy.
It’s believed that the King and his son hold differing opinions regarding Harry’s legal action against the Home Office, which has already cost the British taxpayer £500,000.
Legal Action Over Security Decision
Prince Harry’s legal challenge concerns a decision made by Ravec in February 2020 regarding his security arrangements in the UK. The High Court previously heard that his ‘status’ changed due to no longer being a ‘full-time working member of the Royal Family’.
‘Unsafe’ in UK Without Police Protection
However, Prince Harry argues that his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, cannot “feel at home” or “safe” in the UK unless his police protection is fully reinstated.
Charity Commission Investigation into Sentebale
Simultaneously, the Charity Commission announced an investigation into Sentebale, the charity Prince Harry co-founded, amid a dispute between Harry and chairwoman Dr. Sophie Chandauka. Dr. Chandauka has accused Prince Harry of “harassment and bullying,” allegations he denies.
Prince Harry arrived in the UK just hours before King Charles departed for a historic four-day state visit to Italy.
Prince Harry offered a brief smile for the cameras upon arrival, while questions about seeing his father were shouted.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are received by the President of the Italian Republic, His Excellency Signor Sergio Mattarella, and the President’s daughter, Signora Laura Mattarella, at the Quirinale Palace.
King Charles III, Queen Camilla, President Sergio Mattarella, and Signora Laura Mattarella observe a flypast by the Frecce Tricolori and Red Arrows at the Quirinale Palace.
King Charles and Queen Camilla in Rome, pictured at Villa Wolkonsky.
Prince Harry’s Accusations Against Charity Chairwoman
Prince Harry, who recently resigned as patron of Sentebale along with co-founder Prince Seeiso, in support of trustees who also resigned, has accused Ms. Chandauka of “blatant falsehoods.”
He stated they “fully anticipate [the investigation] will reveal the truth that collectively compelled us to resign.” Prince Harry added, “We remain hopeful this will enable the charity to be placed in capable hands promptly, for the benefit of the communities we serve.”
King and Queen’s State Visit to Italy
Prince Harry’s arrival coincides with the King and Queen’s visit to Rome and Ravenna, aiming to strengthen UK-Italy relations through royal diplomacy. A planned state visit to the Holy See in the Vatican was cancelled due to Pope Francis’s recovery from illness. Remaining engagements in Rome have been extended over two days, with additional elements incorporated.
The Pope recently made a public appearance in St Peter’s Square, using a wheelchair and with an oxygen tube.
King Charles waves from a car as he and Queen Camilla depart Rome Ciampino Airport, commencing their four-day state visit to Italy.
The King and Queen pictured disembarking their flight ahead of their historic state visit to Italy.
It remains unconfirmed whether King Charles III and Prince Harry met amidst their respective travels.
The Duke of Sussex has returned to London for an appeal against a High Court ruling regarding his entitlement to taxpayer-funded armed bodyguards.
The prince’s legal battle coincides with the Charity Commission’s investigation into Sentebale, amid a dispute between Harry and chairwoman Dr. Sophie Chandauka (pictured).
Dr. Sophie Chandauka, pictured with Meghan and Harry at a polo event last year. A year later, relations have deteriorated, and the Duke of Sussex resigned from Sentebale.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Clarence House in London on March 25.
King Charles will hold audiences with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
King to Address Italian Parliament
King Charles will be the first British monarch to address both houses of Italy’s parliament.
The King will also meet with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. He and Queen Camilla will attend a state banquet at the Palazzo Quirinale, hosted by the president on their 20th wedding anniversary.
UK-Italy Defence Cooperation Highlighted
UK-Italy defence cooperation will be showcased by a joint flypast over Rome involving the Italian air force’s Frecce Tricolori and the RAF’s Red Arrows display teams.
Ravenna Visit: 80th Anniversary of Liberation
In Ravenna, Charles and Camilla will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the province’s liberation from Nazi occupation during a town hall reception.
Charles and Camilla will attend a state banquet at the Palazzo Quirinale (pictured).
Pope Francis addresses the faithful in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican yesterday.
Celebrating Literary Culture
They will celebrate literary culture by visiting Dante’s tomb, and the Queen will make a solo visit to the Byron museum.
King’s Return to Public Duties
King Charles resumed official public duties after cancelling engagements last month due to temporary side effects from cancer treatment on March 27. Buckingham Palace stated he ‘required a short period of observation in hospital’ earlier that day. Planned engagements in Birmingham for March 28 were cancelled as a precaution to prioritize his recovery. Sources described this as a ‘minor setback’ in his overall positive progress with his health.