Prince Harry Should Not Be Allowed to 'Buy' Armed Police

On 16/05/2023, the High Court in London heard a legal challenge brought by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, regarding his security arrangements while in the United Kingdom. The case focused on his attempt to overturn a government decision that prevented him from personally paying for armed police protection during visits to the UK. The legal dispute centered on a decision made by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC), which is responsible for determining security provisions for individuals deemed at risk. Following his step back from official royal duties in 2020, Prince Harry’s entitlement to publicly funded police protection was revised. In response, he sought permission to fund such protection privately when in the UK, arguing that this would ensure an appropriate level of security for himself and his family. During the hearing, Prince Harry’s legal representatives presented arguments that the refusal to allow privately funded police protection limited his ability to safely return to the UK. The Home Office, representing the government, defended the existing policy, stating that police protection is not available for private purchase and must be allocated based on assessed risk and official status. The case formed part of a broader legal effort by Prince Harry to challenge the changes to his security arrangements. The proceedings on 16/05/2023 did not conclude the matter but marked a key stage in the ongoing legal dispute between Prince Harry and the UK government. The case continued through subsequent hearings and rulings, with wider implications for how security is granted to high-profile individuals outside official roles.