LONDON — Prince Harry is fighting for a security detail he lost when he stepped back from royal duties. His attorney argued in court that the way his security needs were assessed wasn’t fair or thorough.
Harry, who made a rare court appearance, lost his government-funded protection in February 2020 after moving to the U.S. and resigning as a working royal. A judge had previously ruled that the security measures offered to him were appropriate, but Harry’s lawyer, Shaheed Fatima, contends that the evaluation process didn’t follow the proper protocol. Fatima noted that the “bespoke” security provided to Harry has resulted in “different, unjustified, and inferior treatment."
The Duke of Sussex, now 40, is the younger son of King Charles III. He has often challenged the royal family’s traditions and has taken legal action against both the government and media with mixed success. His decision to appear in court was significant, as he rarely attends hearings, only showing up a few times in recent years.
Harry has expressed concerns for his family’s safety during trips back to the UK. He feels threatened by negative social media attention and aggressive press coverage. He even attempted to pay for police protection privately, but a judge denied that request, stating that police resources shouldn’t be used in that way.
On top of this, Harry previously dropped a libel case against the Daily Mail, which claimed he was trying to keep his government-funded security under wraps. However, he did achieve a victory in 2023 against the Daily Mirror for phone tapping, with the court revealing that such practices were common in the tabloids. Earlier this year, Rupert Murdoch’s tabloids issued an unusual apology and agreed to compensate Harry for invading his privacy.
The public’s response to Harry’s legal battles has been varied. Many sympathize with his fight for personal safety, while others criticize his ongoing connection to the royal family and its privileges. This ongoing saga reflects larger discussions around privacy rights, media ethics, and celebrity culture in today’s world.
For those interested in further context about royal security, the UK government has strict guidelines on the use of police resources, highlighting the balance between public safety and personal privilege. This case not only involves Prince Harry but also raises fundamental questions about the responsibilities of public figures and the media in a social media-driven landscape.
For more about these challenges and their implications, you can explore this report on celebrity privacy rights.
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