Prince Harry is challenging the decision to downgrade his security in the UK, with the Court of Appeal hearing that he was “singled out for different, unjustified and inferior treatment”. The Duke of Sussex had requested a bespoke process for his security arrangements after stepping down as a full-time royal in 2020. However, the decision made by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) deemed it not necessary.
Prince Harry’s barrister argues that he was subjected to an “unjustified” process without being given expert analysis of the risks he faced. The duke claims he was not told how decisions about his security were made and had no chance to present his case or review risk assessments. He also references recent security incidents, including a 2020 threat from al-Qaeda and a 2023 “dangerous car pursuit” in New York.
The court has heard that Prince Harry’s current security arrangements are decided on a case-by-case basis, similar to other high-profile visitors. The Home Office is opposing the appeal, stating that the bespoke process was better suited for Harry’s circumstances and that his security had not been fully revoked but merely downgraded.
The two-day hearing will continue on Wednesday, with a written decision expected at a later date.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c05nm8d9nd6o