London, UK – Prince Harry, also known as the Duke of Sussex, is making a plea to have his British security reinstated, bringing his case to an appeals court. This move comes after Harry lost his government-funded protection in 2020 when he stepped down from his royal duties and relocated to the United States. The prince appeared at the Court of Appeal in London to challenge a previous ruling that upheld the decision to remove his security detail.
Previously, a High Court judge determined that the decision by a government panel to provide security for Harry on a case-by-case basis was lawful and justified. Harry has expressed concerns about his safety and that of his family during visits to the UK, citing hostility on social media and aggressive behavior from certain news outlets. Despite facing challenges, Harry has been proactive in taking legal action against both the government and tabloid press to defend his rights and security needs.
In past legal battles, Harry faced setbacks when he was denied the opportunity to privately fund a police detail while in the UK. A judge rejected his request, arguing that public officers should not be used as personal bodyguards for the affluent. Despite these obstacles, Harry remains committed to safeguarding his family and future visits to the UK by seeking legal recourse to address his security concerns.
While Harry may have faced difficulties in some legal proceedings, he has also achieved victories in the courtroom. Notably, in 2023, he successfully sued the publisher of the Daily Mirror for widespread phone hacking practices. Additionally, Rupert Murdoch’s tabloids issued a rare apology to Harry in January, acknowledging years of intrusive coverage and agreeing to pay damages to settle a privacy invasion lawsuit. Harry’s ongoing legal battles underscore his determination to protect his family and privacy rights in the face of media scrutiny.
As Prince Harry continues to navigate legal challenges and advocate for his security needs in both the UK and the US, his actions highlight the complexities of balancing royal obligations with personal safety and privacy concerns. His efforts to hold institutions and media outlets accountable set a precedent for how public figures can assert their rights in an ever-evolving media landscape.