Prince Harry Expresses Concern: His Children Don't Feel at Home in the UK

Prince Harry has recently spoken out during his ongoing legal battle against the UK Home Office concerning changes to his security arrangements. In his witness statement, the Duke of Sussex expressed deep sadness about being forced to leave the UK in 2020 along with his wife, Meghan Markle. He emphasized that the UK is his home and plays a central role in his children's heritage. However, he asserted that his children cannot feel at home in the UK if their safety cannot be ensured on British soil, which is why they currently reside in the United States.

During a hearing held on December 7th in London, Prince Harry's Barrister, Shahed Fatima KC, conveyed Harry's sentiment that stepping back from his royal role and leaving the country was not a choice he made willingly. He explained that the decision was made with great sadness and concern for the safety of his family. Harry stressed the importance of the UK to his children's heritage and expressed his desire for them to feel at home there. However, he also mentioned that he cannot jeopardize their safety, nor that of his wife, given his own life experiences.

Prince Harry now awaits a judge's ruling on his legal action against the Home Office following a 2 and a half day hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice. His legal team is challenging the Home Office's decision in February 2020 to alter the extent of his publicly funded security, arguing that it was both unlawful and unfair. Most of the proceedings were held in private due to the involvement of confidential evidence related to security measures.

Miss Fatima, representing Prince Harry, argued that Harry was singled out and treated unfairly in this decision. She pointed out that the Risk Management Board (RMB) had chosen not to conduct a risk analysis in Harry's case, which was a deviation from their usual policy. She contended that had the RMB properly considered Harry's case, the outcome would likely have been different.

On the other hand, the government maintains that Harry's claim should be dismissed, asserting that the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (R) committee, falling under the Home Office's jurisdiction, was entitled to assess the Duke's protection on a case-by-case basis. Sir James Eadie KC, representing the Home Office, argued that the decision to conduct a more bespoke and targeted assessment did not amount to treating Harry less favorably. He explained that it allowed for a more specific and informed consideration of the threat and risk picture for each visit.

This legal battle is one of five high court claims that Prince Harry is currently involved in.