Prince Harry's security appeal goes behind closed doors

Prince Harry’s legal battle over his UK security arrangements is set to resume next week — and it’s bringing fresh developments. 

The Duke of Sussex will appeal a previous High Court ruling that deemed the government’s decision to alter his taxpayer-funded security “neither irrational nor procedurally unfair.”

But not all of the upcoming hearing will be open to the public.

The Court of Appeal has confirmed that the case will be heard in London on April 8 and 9, with parts of the proceedings held behind closed doors.

A panel of judges — Sir Geoffrey Vos, Lord Justice Bean, and Lord Justice Edis — ruled on Wednesday that only arguments involving “non-confidential facts” will be heard in open court, while details related to “security arrangements and threat levels” will be discussed privately.

“It is obvious that such material would be of interest to anyone wishing to harm a person within the scope of the security arrangements,” the judges noted.

Why Prince Harry's royal security case matters

This case stems from a 2020 decision by Ravec (the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures), which downgraded Harry’s security status following his and Meghan’s departure from full-time royal duties and relocation to the United States.

The Duke, now 39, argues that the move to reduce his protection was “unlawful and unfair”, citing a lack of proper risk analysis and claiming he was “singled out” for different treatment.

The UK Government has defended Ravec’s approach, saying it was reasonable to adopt a case-by-case security plan for Harry, given his change in royal status.

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