Prince Harry Challenges UK Government Decision on Police Protection

London — Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is challenging the U.K. government's decision to provide him with less police protection when he comes back for visits. The government decided to deny the duke the highest level of state-funded protection after he and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, stepped down as senior working members of the royal family in 2021. He lost an appeal earlier this year in which he sought permission to pay for the police protection independently.

Harry's lawyers argued in front of Britain's High Court that RAVEC, the committee that makes security decisions regarding the royals on behalf of Britain's Home Office, "should have considered the 'impact' that a successful attack on [Harry] would have, bearing in mind his status, background, and profile within The Royal Family — which he was born into and which he will have for the rest of his life - and his ongoing charity work and service to the public."

The committee should also have "considered, in particular, the impact on the UK's reputation of a successful attack on [Harry]," the duke's legal team said in written arguments presented Tuesday.

According to the prince's legal team, if RAVEC had followed its own protocols, it would have provided Harry with stronger security measures, similar to what it offers other important individuals.

A representative for the Home Office argued that the customized approach taken in Prince Harry's case was appropriate and reflected the unique circumstances surrounding his situation, as reported by The Guardian newspaper.

"It is considered appropriate that limited public resources allocated for protective security provided by the state be given to individuals who are serving the interests of the state through their public role," stated the Home Office representative.

Harry, who lost his mother Princess Diana in a tragic car accident in Paris while being pursued by paparazzi, has always had a deep distrust of the media. He argues that the threats and hatred directed towards him and Meghan are proof of their need for high-level police protection during their visits to the UK.

The case was expected to conclude by Thursday.