Prince Harry accused of looking 'cocky' as he arrives at London court

Prince Harry strutted into London’s Royal Courts of Justice on Tuesday — but not without raising eyebrows.

The Duke of Sussex, 40, appeared in court to challenge a ruling that downgraded his UK security arrangements, and one body language expert thinks Harry was putting on a show.

“With his brisk, swaggering walk and his jacket unbuttoned, it would be reasonable to describe Harry’s chosen projected body language mood here as ‘cocky’,” said expert Judi James, speaking to Express.co.uk.

Harry waved at the press gathered outside but stayed silent as he entered the courtroom.

The Duke is appealing a previous ruling which allowed Ravec — the committee overseeing royal protection — to offer him case-by-case taxpayer-funded security, rather than the full royal-level protection he once had.

Despite Harry’s confident body language, Judi James thinks it might be a front.

“There’s a ‘tell’ that suggests he might not be feeling quite as brave as he seems… he frequently touches his tie or stomach, a classic self-protective gesture,” she explained.

The case comes after Harry claimed he was “singled out for inferior treatment” following his exit from royal duties and move to the U.S. with wife Meghan Markle.

As part of his legal bid, the Duke must give 28 days’ notice before visiting the UK — a policy he’s now fighting in court.

The two-day hearing is being led by Sir Geoffrey Vos, Lord Justice Bean, and Lord Justice Edis, with a ruling expected in the coming weeks.

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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