LONDON — In a move that underscores his ongoing legal battles, Prince Harry has contested the fairness of the decision to remove his British security detail at a Court of Appeals hearing. Harry’s lawyer argued that the decision-making process was flawed and did not adhere properly to established guidelines. This case, pivotal enough to draw Harry himself into the courtroom, follows the discontinuation of his government-funded security in February 2020, after he relinquished his duties as a senior member of the royal family and relocated to the U.S.
During the hearing, attorney Shaheed Fatima highlighted that the bespoke security arrangement offered to the Duke of Sussex did not equate to superior protection but rather to discriminatory and inferior treatment. According to Fatima, the evaluating committee failed to undertake a critical risk management assessment, which could have implications for Harry’s safety and that of his family.
Countering these claims, government lawyer James Eadie defended the earlier court decision, suggesting that Harry’s legal argument overly focused on minor details that did not reflect the broader, accurate assessment of the review. Eadie described the appeal as another example of this approach, emphasizing a holistic view of the security evaluations.
Justices at the Court of Appeal are expected to conclude the hearing soon, with a decision to be issued in writing at a later date. Proceedings were partially closed to the public to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive security discussions.
The prince, aged 40, was seen arriving at the court with a modest security team, composed of private details and supplemented by court officers. His presence at legal proceedings has been rare, underscoring the significance he places on this particular case.
This legal endeavor is part of a broader trend where Prince Harry has increasingly sought recourse in the courts against what he perceives as injustices, both from the government and the press. Notably, he became the first senior royal in over a century to testify in a trial during one of his lawsuits against British tabloids.
A focal point of Harry’s security concerns is the risk he and his family face when in the UK, amplified by hostile press coverage and threats on social media. His legal team has cited multiple serious security incidents, including threats from extremist groups and dangerous encounters with paparazzi, to underscore the need for consistent protection.
Previously, Harry proposed funding his security detail in the UK, but this was denied in court after arguments that police resources should not serve as private security for affluent individuals. Moreover, he has had mixed outcomes in his legal battles with the press, including both dropped and successful lawsuits, notably including a substantial victory involving phone hacking allegations.
As Prince Harry’s legal struggles continue, with ongoing cases still pending, these court battles illuminate the complexities of his relationship with both public institutions and the media. This case, in particular, could set a significant precedent for how security details are allocated to individuals no longer serving in an official capacity but still vulnerable due to their public status and previous roles.
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