LONDON, ENGLAND – Prince Harry’s legal team argued in appeals court on Tuesday that the decision to strip him of his British security detail was unjust, citing flaws in the evaluation process. The Duke of Sussex lost government-funded protection after stepping down from his royal duties and relocating to the United States in 2020. Despite a previous ruling upholding the decision to provide security on a case-by-case basis, attorney Shaheed Fatima contended that the assessment of Harry’s security needs was inadequate.
Appearing in court in a navy blue suit and light blue tie, Prince Harry has challenged traditional royal protocol by taking legal action against the government and tabloid press. His presence at the hearing underscored the significance of the case to him. This marks a departure from Harry’s usual avoidance of court appearances, as he has previously only appeared sporadically over the past few years, notably during a phone hacking trial against British tabloids.
The Duke of Sussex has faced challenges regarding security arrangements in the U.K., highlighting concerns over the safety of himself and his family amidst intense media scrutiny and social media harassment. While he lost a previous court case seeking private funding for security, he succeeded in a separate trial against a tabloid publisher for phone hacking practices – securing a notable victory. Additionally, Prince Harry reached a settlement with Rupert Murdoch’s U.K. tabloids for privacy invasion allegations, emphasizing the ongoing legal battles he faces in protecting his personal life from intrusive media coverage.
With a pending case against another publisher, Prince Harry’s legal battles continue to unfold, underscoring his commitment to safeguarding his privacy and that of his family. The appeals court’s deliberation on his security arrangements reflects the complexities of his transition away from royal duties and the challenges he faces in navigating public and private life. Amidst ongoing legal disputes, Prince Harry’s courtroom appearances serve as a testament to his determination to uphold his rights and protect his family from media intrusion.