Prince Harry made a notable return to the United Kingdom, attending a court hearing that may represent his final opportunity to alter the government’s position regarding his security. The Duke of Sussex arrived alone at the London court, without his wife, Meghan Markle, or any other royal family members. He was flanked by what looked like personal security and local police officers, emphasizing the seriousness of his fears.
The courtroom proceedings come amid a months-long fight. This war has on its front lines the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, known more popularly by its French acronym, RAVEC. This committee has decided that protection for the Sussexes will be approved on an individual basis. Prince Harry’s lawyers contended in court that he faces significant security risks, particularly from terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda, which has publicly called for his assassination.
In February, a London judge ruled that the U.K. government had the authority to revoke Prince Harry’s automatic security detail during visits to Britain. This ruling has gone to inflame his efforts to protect himself and his family with better armament. Upon hearing the news, the Duke has personally taken care to see that there is no grave threat to his family’s safety. As a result, he is scared to return them to his country of origin.
Since then, Prince Harry has stepped back from his senior royal duties and relocated to California with Meghan Markle. Together with their two kids Archie and Lilibet, they are now settled down in that very neighborhood. Almost five months since their relocation, this family of four hasn’t been able to travel to the U.K. as a single family unit. Their previous trip was in 2022 for the celebrations of his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.
Prince Harry sought permission to pay for his police protection himself while in the U.K. RAVEC did not endorse this idea. His brother, Prince William, lives just outside London in Windsor, roughly a 30 minute commute. He lives in this residence with his wife, Kate, the Princess of Wales, and their three children.
A spokesperson for Prince Harry stated, “As a rule, we do not provide guidance on family relations.”
