Prince Harry could be forced to pay up to £1 million in legal costs after losing his case against the Home Office. The dispute arose from the Home Office's decision to withdraw taxpayer-funded security when Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan stepped down from their royal duties in 2020. It was determined that their security detail would be removed, as it would no longer be necessary for them outside of their royal roles.
In September 2021, Prince Harry publicly expressed his discontent with the royal family and the VIP executive committee's decision not to provide free security when he and his family traveled to the UK. Subsequently, he sought the right to challenge this decision, arguing that the expensive US security forces could not adequately protect him in the UK.
However, on Wednesday, High Court Judge Sir Peter Lane upheld the decisions made by the Home Office and the VIP executive committee. This ruling now puts Prince Harry in a precarious financial situation, as he will likely have to bear the brunt of an expensive court hearing.
Prince Harry's legal team has announced that they will appeal the decision, emphasizing that the Duke is not seeking preferential treatment but rather aiming for fairness and adherence to the existing policies of the VIP executive committee. They argue that the committee failed to apply its own written policy to Prince Harry in February 2020, which resulted in his exclusion from certain risk analyses. They emphasize that the Duke of Sussex hopes the Court of Appeal will deliver justice.
If the appeal fails, Prince Harry will be responsible for covering the substantial legal costs. The Home Office has already spent £47,000, including $265,437, on its lawyers during the case. Additionally, Prince Harry's own legal team from Schillings International adds to the mounting expenses. Taking into account the three-day trial in December, the costs are projected to exceed £1 million.
A House of Commons spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the judgment, stating that it would be inappropriate to comment further. They highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of the UK government's protective security systems and the potential risks involved in disclosing detailed information about these arrangements.
The ruling could also complicate Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan's travel arrangements and their plans to bring their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to meet their family in the UK. The couple had intended to travel to London later this spring for a ceremony at St Paul's Cathedral, marking the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. However, with this recent development, their plans may face significant challenges.
Amidst all this legal turmoil, there is a glimmer of hope for reconciliation within the royal family. Prince Harry has returned to the fold, and there are increasing hopes that he and Duchess Meghan can mend their relationships. In an interview with Good Morning America, Prince Harry expressed his desire to make time for the royal family while in the UK. There are even reports of government-level discussions concerning the potential visit of 2-year-old Princess Lilibet to the UK later this year. The Duke of Sussex aims to bring his family of four back to the UK for church services.
