Prince Harry suffers fresh legal blow after quitting royal duties

The Duke of Sussex has experienced another setback in his legal battle over the loss of his UK police protection.

Prince Harry has suffered another major blow in his battle over the loss of his UK police protection after his bid to appeal the High Court’s ruling was rejected on Monday.

The Duke of Sussex embarked upon legal action over the British Home Office’s decision to revoke his personal security after he quit royal duties and moved to the US in early 2020.

During proceedings back in February, retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane ruled that the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec)’s approach was neither irrational or procedurally unfair, prompting Harry’s team to indicate his intention to launch a challenge.

Harry outside the Royal Courts of Justice, Britain's High Court, in central London on March 27, 2023. Picture: Justin Tallis/AFP

On Monday, a judicial spokesperson stated that Harry had lost his initial bid to appeal – although he is still able to put in a direct request to the Court of Appeal.

During the case, Harry’s legal team had claimed that he’d been “singled out” and treated “less favourably” during the determination of his level of taxpayer-funded protection.

It was also argued that the process was “unlawful and unfair”. The government countered that such decisions should be made on a “case-by-case” basis.

Harry and Meghan at the polo on Friday. Picture: Jason Koerner/Getty Images for Sentebale

Having now had his bid to appeal turned down, Harry has been ordered to pay 90 per cent of his opposition’s legal costs for defending the case.

It comes as Harry is expected to return to the UK for the Invictus Games’ 10th Anniversary service at St Paul’s Cathedral on May 8, although there’s yet to be official confirmation or any indication of whether Meghan Markle will join him.

The couple’s long-awaited next Netflix productions was revealed last week, with sources confirming they are in the early stages of developing two new nonfiction shows.

Meghan is reportedly set to host a program about the “joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship” while Harry will focus on a polo series.

Originally published as Prince Harry suffers fresh legal blow after quitting royal duties