Prince Harry Loses Appeal Over U.K. Security Detail After Barristers Argued His Life Was “At Stake”

Prince Harry has lost a legal challenge over the level of security he is permitted while in the U.K.

The Duke of Sussex had appeared in court last month to appeal the decision to downgrade his taxpayer-funded security arrangements while in Britain, describing the country as “central to the heritage” of his children, Archie and Lilibet, who he shares with wife Meghan Markle.

“I want them to feel at home as much as where they live at the moment in the U.S.,” he said in 2023. “That cannot happen if it’s not possible to keep them safe when they are on U.K. soil.”

When Harry and Meghan Markle confirmed they would be stepping back from their duties as senior members of the royal family in 2020, the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) decided the couple would no longer be given the “same degree” of protection when in the country.

Harry’s barristers said the duke had been “singled out” for “inferior treatment” and that his safety, security and life were “at stake.”

The new arrangement meant that the Sussexes would instead receive a cheaper, “bespoke” security service, necessitating that they give 30 days’ notice of any plans to come to the U.K. and that each visit be assessed for threat levels.

On Friday, the duke lost his appeal challenging the decision. High court judge Geoffrey Vos said the arguments put forward on behalf of Harry were “powerful” and said it was “plain” he had felt “badly treated” by the system. But, he added, there was no legal basis to challenge Ravec’s decision.

“The conclusion in my judgement… was that the Duke of Sussex’s appeal would be dismissed,” he said on Friday.

Prince Harry now lives with the Duchess of Sussex and their two children in Montecito, California. His returns to his native U.K. have been few and far between since their move to the west coast of the U.S., including a memorial service for his uncle, Robert Fellowes, in August 2024, the Platinum Jubilee of the late Queen Elizabeth in June 2022 and that same year, in September, her funeral.

Harry did attend the coronation of his father, King Charles III in May 2023, but Meghan did not join.