Prince Harry has voiced deep disappointment following the rejection of his legal appeal to reinstate publicly funded police protection during visits to the United Kingdom. The decision, he says, effectively prevents him from safely bringing his wife Meghan Markle and their two children to his home country.
The dispute began after Harry and Meghan stepped down from their roles as senior working members of the royal family in 2020. As a result, they lost the security privileges traditionally afforded to royals supported by the British taxpayer. Harry challenged this move in court, arguing that the security risks to his family had not diminished and that protective arrangements remained essential, especially in light of persistent threats.
Despite offering to personally pay for police protection while in the UK, Harry’s proposal was rejected. The Home Office maintained that private individuals, regardless of status, are not allowed to hire police officers for personal security.
In a statement following the court’s decision, Prince Harry said he was “saddened and disappointed,” adding that the ruling leaves him with no safe way to return to the UK with his family. He emphasized that the outcome was not what he had hoped for and expressed concern for the safety of his loved ones.
The court acknowledged the prince’s concerns but ultimately ruled that there were no legal grounds to overturn the Home Office’s original decision. The judgment highlights the complexity of royal security protocols, particularly for those no longer engaged in official duties.
This latest legal outcome further underscores the ongoing divide between Prince Harry and the royal institution, as he continues to navigate life outside the formal structures of the monarchy.
Source: Small Joys
