The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, attended the Court of Appeal in London today, where he was engaged in a legal battle concerning his security arrangements in the UK. The hearing, which continues to draw significant attention, centres on a previous decision made by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) that altered the degree of protection afforded to Harry following his departure from royal duties in 2020.
The proceedings have involved various facets, including some parts of the hearing being conducted privately, thereby restricting access to the press and public. A notable moment occurred during the public session when a member of the audience expressed her support for the prince, exclaiming, "I support you, Prince Harry," as he exited the courtroom. Security personnel swiftly intervened, positioning themselves between Prince Harry and the supporter. Following her statement, the woman remarked, "If you’re members of the press, you’re the reason he’s no longer in England." Despite the commotion, Prince Harry returned to the courtroom to partake in the private session of the hearing after the room was cleared.
Harry's appearance at the Royal Courts of Justice marks the second day of a two-day appeal initiated after a ruling by retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane, which determined that Ravec's previous decision was lawful. During the appeal, Shaheed Fatima KC, representing the duke, argued that Ravec had implemented a "different and so-called bespoke process" for Harry. She highlighted that this bespoke approach may not equate to better outcomes but, rather, suggest that he is being subjected to "different, unjustified and inferior treatment". Moreover, she contended that Ravec's assessment criteria included the prince's reasons for attending specific events, which she argued is irrelevant to security considerations.
On behalf of the Home Office, Sir James Eadie KC presented the argument that Ravec was confronted with "a unique set of circumstances" regarding Harry's security. He stated, "There is no proper basis for challenging the decision that the bespoke assessment was appropriate." Eadie further noted that the committee does not make comparisons between individuals under its protection, due to the inherent complexities and unique aspects of each case.
The hearing, presided over by Sir Geoffrey Vos, Lord Justice Bean, and Lord Justice Edis, is expected to conclude later today, with a written decision anticipated in due course. Prince Harry's visit to the UK, reportedly kept secret, comes after he travelled from California over the weekend for this legal engagement. Notably, it has been reported that Harry did not meet with his father, King Charles, despite both being in the UK simultaneously for several hours. Their last encounter occurred over a year ago, coinciding with the King's cancer diagnosis.
The relationship between Prince Harry and his father has been characterised by strain, particularly since the duke stepped down as a senior working royal and relocated to the United States with his family. Reports suggest that discussions surrounding Harry's security have contributed to the existing tensions, with sources indicating that Harry's calls to his father regarding the matter have gone "unanswered."
As the legal proceedings unfold, the future impact of the court's decision on Prince Harry's security arrangements and his relationship with the royal family remains to be seen.
Source: Noah Wire Services