The Duke of Sussex has expressed feelings of being a victim of a “stitch-up” following his unsuccessful legal challenge regarding security arrangements in the UK. His comments were made in the wake of a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal, which upheld the High Court's dismissal of his claim against the Home Office concerning the level of protection he receives.
Former royal protection officer Ken Wharfe, who served royals including Prince Harry, has reacted strongly to the Duke's claims, stating that Harry has “played the wrong card” about his security. According to Wharfe, Harry cannot expect the same level of protection as when he was a working royal member, akin to the security enjoyed by his father, King Charles III, and brother, the Prince of Wales. As Wharfe explained, “I don’t see how he can expect to get full protection when he arrived back in the UK, when he is no longer a member working in the royal family.”
The Duke has called upon the Home Secretary to reconsider the role of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), which determines the security arrangements for royals. In an interview with the BBC, Harry indicated that he feels compelled to assess the safety of returning to the UK for family visits, stating, “I can’t see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK.” He further noted that Charles could assist in resolving the ongoing security dilemma by simply allowing the experts to manage the situation rather than intervening directly.
Wharfe, commenting to the PA news agency, remarked on Harry's use of the term “stitch-up,” describing it as “really offensive.” He emphasised the need for the Duke to exhibit “humility” if he seeks reconciliation with his family, the government, and the police. “If a reconciliation is part of what he wants, then this is hardly the way to go about reconciling the differences that exist within your family,” he added.
The structure of royal security for Harry changed significantly in 2020 when he and his wife, Meghan, chose to step down as working royals and relocate to North America, seeking financial independence and personal freedom. Wharfe noted that understanding the current threats faced by Harry is crucial in ensuring his safety, and suggested that with his recent legal setback, the Duke ought to explore avenues for improving his current security arrangements through collaboration with both governmental and police authorities.
In the same BBC interview, Harry conveyed feelings of being “very let down,” citing a decision made in 2020 that continues to put him and his family at risk. He expressed concern over his father’s health, alluding to King Charles’s cancer treatment, and remarked, “I don’t know how much longer my father has left,” suggesting an urgency for familial reconciliation.
As the Duke continues to navigate these challenges, Wharfe indicated that the prevailing situation must feel isolating for Harry, particularly given the gravity of his father's health condition. The Home Office has maintained a stance of support for the UK government's protective security framework, stating, “The UK Government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate,” while refraining from disclosing detailed information about specific arrangements.
Source: Noah Wire Services