Prince Harry's legal fight with the Home Office over police security is creating new tensions within the royal family, particularly with King Charles.
The Duke of Sussex is currently seeking to have police protection reinstated for himself and his family when they visit the UK. This comes after the couple lost their taxpayer-funded security in 2020 when Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals.
At the time, the couple had been living in Canada as the global COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, and with their whereabouts publicly known, they raised concerns about their safety. Although Harry now has a “bespoke” security arrangement, it means that the government assesses his need for protection on a case-by-case basis, unlike the automatic security he received when he was a working royal.
Harry’s legal battle recently encountered a setback when the courts ruled that the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC) acted within its rights when removing his automatic security. However, Harry has been granted the right to appeal, with the hearing scheduled for April.
This ongoing legal dispute is said to be straining Harry's relationship with King Charles. Sources indicate that the King finds it “embarrassing” that his son is taking legal action against the government. Reports suggest that Charles is particularly frustrated with Harry’s claim that his father could personally influence the decision to deny him security, despite RAVEC's independence.
An insider close to Harry’s camp shared that Charles feels the situation could be resolved if he wanted to, further deepening the tension between father and son.
The continuing battle over security is proving to be another source of strain in the complex and strained relationship between Prince Harry and King Charles.
