Prince Harry lost his court appeal today regarding his UK security and is now set to face a very high legal bill. The Duke of Sussex, 40, took the Home Office and the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) to court to appeal a decision made to reduce the prince’s security entitlements in the UK. The decision was originally made in 2020, the same year Harry and Meghan quit life as senior royals and moved overseas to America.
The prince quickly challenged this decision in court, with High Court judge Sir Peter Lane deciding in February last year that Ravec was right to remove his high-level police protection while he’s in the UK. The prince then challenged this ruling, however after court hearings last month, it has now been decided that no changes will be made to Ravec’s decision.
As the duke has now lost the case, it is believed he will face a £1.5million legal bill, as reported by The Sun.
This is because he faces paying the legal costs for both sides. Harry could still take his appeal regarding his security to the Supreme Court if he wishes.
In the court ruling on Friday, Sir Geoffrey Vos, Lord Justice Bean and Lord Justice Edis dismissed Harry’s appeal.
Sir Geoffrey Vos summarised the decision and told the court that while the Duke of Sussex’s personal arguments were both “powerful and moving”, he concluded that: “I could not say that the Duke’s sense of grievance translated into a legal argument for the challenge to Ravec’s decision.
Since losing the appeal, Harry has spoken to the BBC about his feelings. He told the BBC: “I can only come to the UK safely if I’m invited.
“There is a lot of control and ability in my father’s hands.
“Ultimately this whole thing could be resolved through him, not necessarily by intervening but by stepping aside and letting the experts do what is necessary.”
He also revealed that he is no longer on speaking terms with his father King Charles as a result of the court case.
