Prince Harry Loses Court Battle Over UK Police Protection

Prince Harry lost his appeal against the UK government’s decision to withhold automatic police protection during his visits to Britain. The Court of Appeal supported a 2020 decision by RAVEC, the royal and public figure protection committee, which ended his access to publicly funded security after he stepped back from royal duties and moved to the U.S. with Meghan Markle.

Prince Harry expressed his deep disappointment, saying he was “devastated” by the outcome and concerned about the safety of his family. He pointed to serious security threats, including a reported assassination call from al Qaeda and a recent dangerous paparazzi chase in New York. He also claimed that the denial of security had been used as a tool to pressure him into staying within the royal system.

Although he voiced a desire to reconnect with his father, King Charles—who is undergoing cancer treatment—Harry noted that they are not currently on speaking terms, partly due to ongoing tensions over his security arrangements.

The UK Home Office defended its approach as fair and carefully considered, while Buckingham Palace emphasized that the issue had been properly reviewed through legal channels.