Prince Harry faces 'inferior treatment', lawyers say as security court battle ends

Prince Harry’s legal battle over his security arrangements in the UK has reached a critical turning point, with his legal team claiming that his “life is at stake” as he fights what they’ve called “inferior treatment” compared to other high-profile figures.

In court this week, Harry personally appeared for the two-day hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice to appeal the 2020 decision made by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), which downgraded his security following his step back from royal duties and move to California with Meghan Markle.

His legal counsel, Shaheed Fatima KC, issued a powerful statement during proceedings, telling the court: “There is a person sitting behind me whose safety, whose security, and whose life is at stake. We do say that his presence here, and throughout this appeal, is a potent illustration, were one needed, of how much this appeal means to him and his family.”

Harry, 40, previously launched a High Court challenge against the decision, which was dismissed last year. Now, his appeal is centered on what his team argues was an unfair and flawed process that left the duke and his family vulnerable during visits to the UK.

At the close of the hearing on Wednesday, Court of Appeal judge Sir Geoffrey Vos confirmed that a written ruling will be delivered at a later date.

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 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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