Court to rule on Duke’s request for police protection following royal exit
Prince Harry is just hours away from learning whether his legal battle to regain full police protection in the UK has been successful.
The Court of Appeal is set to deliver its verdict at 2 p.m. local time on Friday, May 2, at London’s Royal Courts of Justice. The ruling follows Harry’s challenge to a 2020 decision by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), which downgraded his security after he and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties.
Representing the Duke, barrister Shaheed Fatima KC argued last month that the decision was flawed and left Harry exposed to real danger, including a specific assassination threat. She emphasised that his “safety, security and life are at stake,” and claimed the Sussexes were “forced” to step away from royal life due to a lack of protection.
Harry’s legal team criticised the so-called “bespoke process” created by Ravec, stating it bypassed proper risk evaluations and failed to meet fair and consistent standards.
In contrast, the Home Office defended the process as lawful and appropriate, insisting that the modified arrangement better reflects Harry’s current role and responsibilities.
The highly anticipated ruling could have serious implications not just for Harry’s future visits to the UK, but also for broader questions surrounding royal security and post-abdication protection.
