The court has turned down Harry’s bid to appeal against a court decision to cut back on his security. Prince Harry, currently residing in the United States, is all set for a trip back home. He’ll fly to the UK in May for the Invictus Games’ tenth anniversary. Back to the legal trouble, The Duke took legal action against the Home Office when they scaled down his tax-funded security. The committee for protecting royalty and public figures (Ravec) made the call in the wake of Megexit. The US-based royals stepped back from being a full-time working royal. Get the lowdown below!
Prince Harry: The Court Rejects Harry’s Appeal!
Back in February, retired high court judge Sir Peter Lane stated that Ravec’s move wasn’t unfair or irrational. Prince Harry and his team decided to challenge the judgement, hoping for justice from the court of appeal. Now, a judicial spokesperson disclosed about the failure of Harry’s appeal. However, they added that the Duke can still directly ask the court of appeal for permission to challenge Lane’s decision.
Moreover, Lane said the appeal was basically a rehash of what Prince Harry had argued before. He continued by saying that the Duke believed he deserved a different security approach in the UK than Ravec had decided. However, “Ravec, as an expert body, concluded otherwise. It was entitled to do so.” On the other hand, Harry was asked to cough up 90% of the Home Office’s legal costs for defending the challenge.
Furthermore, Lane acknowledged that the Home Office committed “breaches” during the legal battle. Subsequently, this led to a slight reduction in the costs Prince Harry had to pay. Lane believed that the cost should be reduced by 10%, against Harry’s lawyers’ pleading for 50%. The Judge’s ruling, spanning 52 pages, brushed off Harry’s claim and criticised his lawyers. Lane explained, “The ‘bespoke’ process devised for the claimant in the decision of 28 February 2020 was, and is, legally sound.”
In the meantime, rumours of reconciliation are swirling amidst reports of Charles considering inviting the Sussexes to the UK. Page Six spilled that the King is itching to meet his grandkids Archie and Lilibet this summer. Will the lost legal battle widen the gap between Harry and the royals? You tell us! Until then, don’t forget to check out TV Season & Spoilers for more juicy Prince Harry updates!