In January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to leave the British royal family and live abroad. In doing so, Harry and Meghan were no longer allowed to use their “Royal Highness” styling or receive public funds for royal duties. Britain’s Home Office also stripped the couple – who retain their titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex – of their right to a royal police escort.
But Prince Harry was unhappy with this decision and requested a judicial review in what was the first time a member of the royal family had filed a lawsuit against the British government. On Monday, British media revealed the legal battle has cost British taxpayers £296,882 ($357,000), according to data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act.
The case dates back to 2021, when British tabloid The Mail On Sunday first ran a story that Prince Harry threatened legal action against the Home Office. In response to the news, a representative for the prince clarified that the aim of his legal challenge was “to ensure the safety of himself and his family during his stay in the UK so that his children can experience his home country”.
While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have private security forces, representatives pointed out that this team has no jurisdiction in the UK or access to British intelligence. The statement added that Prince Harry had offered to pay for the cost of police protection, but the offer was turned down.
“Prince Harry inherited a life security hazard from birth. He remains sixth in line to the throne, has served two combat duties in Afghanistan and in recent years his family has faced well-documented threats from neo-Nazis and extremists,” the statement said. while [Prince Harry’s] Role within the institution has changed, but his profile as a member of the royal family has not. Neither does the threat to him and his family.”
The first hearing of the case took place in February 2022 at the High Court of Justice in London. The court heard Prince Harry wanted to bring his son Archie and daughter Lilibet with him on a visit from the US but “couldn’t return to his homeland” because it was too dangerous.
“This allegation addresses the fact that the applicant does not feel safe being in the UK given the safeguards that were applied to them in June 2021 and will continue to be applied to them when they return,” said Shaheed Fatima, the prince’s attorney. And of course, it should go without saying that he wants to come back: to see family and friends and to continue supporting the charities he loves so much. Above all, this is his home and always will be.”
Home Office lawyers responded that the amount Prince Harry was willing to pay for police security was irrelevant. “Police personal protection is not available on a privately funded basis,” said Robert Palmer, a lawyer representing the UK government. He argued that the prince’s personal protections were still being considered “on a case-by-case basis” by UK authorities due to his “exceptional status”.
The legal battle between Prince Harry and the UK Home Office will continue next April. It is not clear if it will be resolved by May 6th when King Charles III. will have his coronation ceremony.
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