In a significant legal setback, Prince Harry has been denied his initial attempt to appeal a High Court ruling regarding his police protection in the UK.
This decision, confirmed by a judicial spokesperson, marks another chapter in the Duke of Sussex’s ongoing struggle for personal security while in his home country.
The controversy began when Harry sought to challenge a February 2020 ruling made by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, commonly known as RAVEC.
This committee decided to revoke his publicly funded security after he stepped back from his role as a full-time working member of the royal family.
The implications of this ruling have sparked intense debate about the safety of the prince and his family during their visits to the UK.
In February, retired High Court Judge Sir Peter Lane dismissed Harry’s claims that he had been unfairly treated by RAVEC’s decision.
The judge concluded that the committee’s actions were neither irrational nor procedurally unjust.
This ruling has left Harry and his legal team reeling, as they argue that the decision reflects a failure to adequately assess the risks he faces.
A spokesperson for the judiciary announced on Wednesday that Harry’s attempt to appeal this ruling has been rejected.
However, there remains a glimmer of hope; he can still petition the Court of Appeal directly for permission to challenge the High Court’s decision.
This avenue could provide him with another opportunity to address his concerns about safety.
Harry’s legal representatives have consistently maintained that their client has been singled out and treated less favorably compared to others in similar situations.
They argue that the lack of a thorough risk assessment and the failure to consider the potential consequences of an attack on Harry render the ruling both unlawful and unjust.
During previous court hearings, it became clear that Harry’s concerns extend beyond himself.
He expressed deep worry for the safety of his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, emphasizing that they cannot truly feel at home in the UK without adequate security measures in place.
This sentiment underscores the emotional toll that these legal battles have taken on the family.