Prince Harry finds himself embroiled in a fierce legal tussle with the Home Office regarding his police protection while in the UK, with no signs of a compromise in sight.
The Duke of Sussex, currently residing in California with his family, has taken the extraordinary step of seeking a judicial review against the Home Office’s decision to strip him of his security detail when he visits Britain.
Despite living in the United States and footing the bill for a private security team, Prince Harry insists that it is too risky to bring his wife Meghan Markle, along with their children Archie and Lilibet, back to the UK without police protection.
His legal challenge revolves around the Home Office’s refusal to allow him to personally cover the costs of security for his family during their time in Britain.
According to sources cited by the Mail on Sunday, the Home Office remains steadfast in its stance and shows no intention of yielding to Prince Harry’s demands.
A security insider highlighted that upon Prince Harry’s departure from royal duties, the terms of his security arrangements were crystal clear.
The source emphasized that the provision of police protection is determined by one’s role and associated risks, underscoring that private security arrangements in the US cannot be replicated in the UK due to differing regulations.
The ongoing dispute stems from the termination of taxpayer-funded police protection for Prince Harry and Meghan in the UK following their decision to step back from royal responsibilities, commonly referred to as Megxit.
Despite financing their private security team overseas, Prince Harry argues that the US-based protection lacks crucial access to UK intelligence and jurisdiction necessary for their safety while in Britain.
In a bid to ensure the safety of his family during visits to the UK, Prince Harry initiated discussions with the Home Office as early as January 2020, offering to personally cover the expenses for police protection.
However, his proposal was rebuffed, prompting him to pursue legal recourse through a judicial review filed in September 2021.
His legal representative reiterated that as a lifelong security risk inheritor, Prince Harry’s vulnerability remains unchanged despite his altered role within the royal institution.
The Duke’s spokesperson emphasized the importance of adequate police protection, citing an incident where Prince Harry’s security was compromised during a charity event in West London when photographers pursued his car.
The representative underscored Prince Harry’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of his family while in the UK, emphasizing the necessity of reassessing security protocols for their protection.
Despite facing staunch opposition from the Home Office, Prince Harry remains resolute in his pursuit of securing police protection for himself and his family during visits to his homeland.
The ongoing legal battle underscores the complexities surrounding royal security arrangements and the challenges faced by Prince Harry and Meghan in navigating their security needs amidst evolving circumstances.
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