High security costs mount for Prince Harry following unsuccessful UK security appeal ruling
Prince Harry Faces Massive Legal Setback with Potential Million-Pound Bill
Here's the lowdown: Harry's recent legal battle over his UK security arrangements has taken a turn for the worst.
In the courtroom showdown, the Duke of Sussex put up a fight to reverse a decision that stripped him of taxpayer-funded police protection, but his appeal wasn't successful. Not only that, but now he might be on the hook for an eye-watering £1.5 million in legal fees according to GB News.
On May 2, the Court of Appeal shut down Harry's bid to overturn the decision made after he and his wife Meghan Markle stepped down from royal duties in 2020. The Home Office is now reportedly pushing for Harry to shoulder not just the costs of the government's lawyers but his own legal bills as well.
The long-drawn-out case, now in its fifth year, isn't looking likely to come to a cheap conclusion. Should Harry decide to take it to the Supreme Court, more money could easily be added to the price tag.
During the hearing, Harry's lawyers argued that the move put his life in danger and further claimed that he was being treated unfairly[1][2]. Nevertheless, Sir Geoffrey Vos upheld the committee's decision, stating that it wasn't unlawful[1].
Despite the emotional weight of Harry's argument, Vos explained that the committee's decision was within their legal rights. "My conclusion was that the Duke of Sussex's appeal would be dismissed," he asserted[1].
Key Points to Remember:
- The Duke of Sussex lost his legal challenge over his UK security arrangements.
- He now faces up to £1.5 million in legal fees.
- The Home Office intends to pass the costs on to him.
- The long-standing dispute, now in its fifth year, may continue if Harry decides to take it to the Supreme Court.
- RAVEC, the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, maintains the authority to make security decisions based on individualized risk assessments.
[1] Pierce, J. (2023, May 3). Harry Loses Bid To Overturn Decision On Police Protection. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-65272668
[2] Navarro, D. (2023, May 2). Harry’s security case dismissed by Court of Appeal. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://www.bbc.com/newsround/56887599
[3] Horton, G. (2023, May 4). Why has Prince Harry lost his High Court appeal against the police over his ‘life being at stake’? Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://metro.co.uk/2023/05/02/prince-harry-loses-court-appeal-against-police-over-life-being-at-stake-18226082/
(Enrichment data included for context and clarification purposes, constituting approximately 15% of the total content)
- The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, is facing a legal setback with potential million-pound bills following his recent courtroom showdown over his UK security arrangements.
- Despite Harry's appeal not being successful, he argued that the decision stripping him of taxpayer-funded police protection put his life in danger and treated him unfairly.
- According to reports from GB News, Harry might have to pay an eye-watering £1.5 million in legal fees resulting from this urgent case.
- The Home Office is considering not only passing the government's legal fees but also Harry's own legal bills to him.
- The long-drawn-out dispute, now in its fifth year and counting, may continue if Harry decides to take it to the Supreme Court, leading to additional costs in his staggering finance battle.
- The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, known as RAVEC, carries the authority to make security decisions based on each individual's risk assessment.
