Prince Harry says he was ‘singled out’ in UK security appeal

Prince Harry has claimed he received “inferior treatment”, as he appeared in a London court in the latest round of legal action over his security arrangements while he is in Britain.

Prince Harry’s lawyers have claimed he was “singled out” and received “inferior treatment” after he was unable to obtain taxpayer-funded security while visiting Britain.

The Duke of Sussex sat through the first day of the two-day hearing at the Court of Appeal in central London as he continued his long-running fight to be provided fully-funded security by the British public.

Dressed in a dark-coloured suit and light-blue tie, Prince Harry quietly spoke during the hearing to his solicitor Jenny Afia who sat beside him.

Prince Harry was back in court in London, a day after his father left the country. Picture: AP

He had a folder of documents and a water bottle in front of him and used a pen to write notes on a notepad while also appearing to send messages from one of two smartphones.

A court ruling last year determined the British government was permitted to remove the Prince’s police protection while in the UK.

Tight security surrounded courtroom 74 at the Royal Courts of Justice as the matter was heard before three judges including Sir Geoffrey Vos.

Prince Harry flashed a V sign as he arrived at the High Court in London. Picture: AP

The Prince’s barrister, Shaheed Fatima KC, told the court Prince Harry was “singled out for different, unjustified and inferior treatment” when a decision was made by the Royal and VIP Executive committee (RAVEC) not to give him protection when he visits the UK.

She also questioned the way RAVEC made the decision.

In arguments outlined in court documents, Prince Harry’s lawyers said: “This appeal concerns the most fundamental right - to safety and security of (a) person.”

Prince Harry was back in court over his UK security arrangements. Picture: AP

The former working royal acknowledged onlookers. Picture: AP

“(Prince Harry’s) security does not appear to have been discussed at any formal RAVEC meeting and there are no official notes or detailed minutes recording the approach to be taken to (his) security and the rationale for it.”

The documents also outlined the risks posed to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex after several incidents including, “Al-Qaeda recently called for (Prince Harry) to be murdered” and “in May 2023 C and his wife were involved in a dangerous car pursuit with paparazzi in New York City.”

The Royal was flanked by security as he made his way into the courthouse. Picture: AFP

The royal couple stopped their roles as working members of the royal family on March 31, 2020, when they relocated to Canada and then the US.

The court documents stated the Duke and Duchess of Sussex “felt forced to step back from the role of full time official working members of the royal family as they considered they were not being protected by the institution, but they wished to continue their duties in support of the late Queen as privately-funded members of the royal family.”

The prince was flanked by police and bodyguards. Picture: AP

The documents also stated he has “so-called bespoke protection” by RAVEC for his trips to the UK.

Representing the Home Office, barrister Sir James Eadie KC told the court the Duke still has access to some security when visiting Britain, provided on a case-by-case basis.

In June last year Prince Harry was given the right to appeal the long-running matter.

Earlier, the Prince waved as he arrived at court to a waiting media pack, but did not speak, and ignored a question as to whether he has spoken to his father. It is understood he did not meet with King Charles before the monarch and Queen Camilla flew to Italy on Monday for a four-day state visit.

The hearing will continue on Wednesday local time in London with a portion of the proceedings heard in a closed courtroom.