Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has called for a thorough review of the royal security apparatus following the dismissal of his appeal against a High Court decision concerning his security arrangements in the United Kingdom. The Duke expressed deep concern over the implications of the ruling, suggesting it could set a “dangerous precedent” where security decisions are influenced by familial control rather than objective risk assessment.
The legal challenge stemmed from the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures’ (Ravec) decision to alter Prince Harry’s security arrangements after he and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped back from their senior royal roles and relocated to North America. The Duke argued that the reduced level of security puts him and his family at risk during visits to the UK.
Following the Court of Appeal’s decision upholding the initial High Court ruling, Prince Harry stated his intention to urge Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to scrutinize Ravec and its members. Speaking to the BBC, he questioned the role of the Royal Household within what is purported to be an independent expert body.
“I would ask Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, to look at this very, very carefully, and I would ask her to review Ravec and its members,” Prince Harry asserted. “Because if it is an expert body, then what is the Royal Household’s role there, if it is not to influence and decide what they want for the members of their household?”
The Duke voiced his worry that the court’s decision could establish a precedent where security becomes a tool to control family members, effectively hindering their autonomy. He highlighted the predicament it creates for him in bringing his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to the UK safely.
“If, for me, security is conditional on having an official role, one that both myself and my wife wish to carry on, but then was rejected, not by Ravec, was rejected by the Royal Household, and the result to that is you lose your security,” he explained. “That basically says you can’t live outside of their control if you want to be safe.”
Prince Harry suggested that a resolution could be achieved if his father, King Charles, were to allow security experts to make necessary arrangements without undue influence. He also noted that the initial decision regarding his security was made under a previous government, implying potential political undertones to the situation.
A Home Office spokesperson responded to the ruling by stating that they were “pleased that the court has found in favour of the Government’s position in this case.” They emphasized that the UK’s protective security system is “rigorous and proportionate,” and it is their long-standing policy not to divulge detailed information on security arrangements to avoid compromising their integrity.
Sir Geoffrey Vos, who delivered the Court of Appeal’s judgment, acknowledged Prince Harry’s “powerful and moving” concerns for his safety. However, he concluded that the Duke’s legal team had not demonstrated that the High Court judge was incorrect in his assessment that Ravec’s decision-making process was lawful and not irrational. Sir Geoffrey pointed out that Ravec’s policies are “inward facing and unpublished” and that there were valid reasons for establishing bespoke security arrangements for Prince Harry’s visits.
The Duke of Sussex’s legal battle over security has been ongoing for several years, marking a significant point of contention in his relationship with the Royal Family and the UK government. His call for a review of Ravec signals his continued determination to ensure the safety of his family when they are in his home country. The outcome of any potential review remains to be seen, but the Duke’s strong words underscore the depth of his concerns.