Prince Harry was treated unfairly when his British security detail was revoked, his lawyer told an appeals court on Tuesday. Harry, who rarely attends court, appeared in person for the hearing, highlighting the case’s significance to him.
Harry lost his government-funded security in February 2020 after stepping down from his royal duties and relocating to the U.S. A High Court judge had previously ruled that the government’s decision to offer “bespoke” security on an as-needed basis was lawful and justified.
However, attorney Shaheed Fatima argued that the security review panel failed to follow proper procedures, including conducting a risk management assessment. “Bespoke does not mean better,” Fatima said. “It signifies that Harry has been singled out for different, unjustified, and inferior treatment.”
Harry, 40, dressed in a navy suit and light blue tie, sat behind his lawyer during the proceedings. His involvement underscores his willingness to challenge both the government and media, despite having a mixed record in court.
He has previously claimed that he and his family face threats when in the UK due to online hostility and aggressive media coverage. In a related case, he was denied permission to privately fund his own security detail, with the court ruling that police officers should not serve as private bodyguards for the wealthy.
Harry also dropped a libel case against the Daily Mail’s publisher over an article suggesting he tried to hide efforts to retain government security. However, he secured a notable victory in 2023 against the Daily Mirror, with the court confirming widespread phone hacking at the tabloid. In January, Rupert Murdoch’s UK newspapers issued an unprecedented apology and paid substantial damages to settle Harry’s privacy invasion lawsuit. He has an ongoing case against the Mail’s publisher.
