UK Court Rebukes Home Office for Violating Rules in Prince Harry's Case
In a recent legal development, Prince Harry, who faced setbacks against the Home Office in the High Court earlier this year, has been awarded a reduction in legal expenses due to the department's breach of regulations.
Following his dispute with the Home Office regarding his UK security arrangements after stepping down as a senior working royal and relocating to the US, the Duke of Sussex has now received a 10 percent reduction in his legal fees. This decision comes after the government was reprimanded for tardiness in providing essential documents, as per a recent report.
The legal battle arose from the Home Office's decision in February 2020 to alter Prince Harry's security status upon his return to the UK. Despite the court ruling against him earlier this year, stating that the decision was justified and devoid of procedural unfairness, new revelations have surfaced.
According to court documents obtained by The Times, Prince Harry's appeal has been denied, and the Home Office has been penalized for withholding crucial information regarding the workings of Ravec – the committee responsible for arranging security for royals and other dignitaries.
The Home Office failed to disclose three specific categories of individuals entitled to state protection under Ravec, including royals, VIPs, and those requiring occasional support. This omission deprived Prince Harry's legal team of vital information necessary for his case.
Initially seeking a substantial reduction in fees due to the government's mishandling of documents, Prince Harry's team has been partially vindicated by the court's decision. While acknowledging that the Home Office did not act in bad faith, the court deemed their breaches sanctionable.
In response to these developments, a spokesperson for the Home Office refrained from further comment, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.
Prince Harry's legal representatives are anticipated to pursue the case further in the Court of Appeal. Meanwhile, as the Duke prepares for his return to the UK in May to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, he is expected to reunite with his father, King Charles, and his ailing sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, during a solo trip.
