Prince Harry’s security woes continue as the Duke of Sussex loses his legal battle against the UK government for police escorts.
The second son of King Charles III and the late Princess Diana lost the right to have authorities protect him and his family after stepping down from his active royal role in 2020.
Since moving to California, the former militant and his wife, Meghan Markle, have paid for their protection out of their pockets. However, the ginger-haired royal claimed the couple’s private forces were insufficient to ensure their safety.
Prince Harry’s Attempts To Pay For Police Protection In The UK Fail As Court Rules Against Him
Following the British government’s decision to remove his taxpayer-funded police protection, PEOPLE reported that the “Spare” author contested the call to strip him of this privilege. The Duke launched his case in September 2021, fighting against the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures.
The Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, honoree became concerned about his well-being in the UK after visiting in July to unveil a statue dedicated to his late mother. A representative for the 38-year-old claimed the Prince’s safety was “compromised due to the absence of police protection” after the event.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex personally fund a private security team for their family, yet that security cannot replicate the police protection needed in the UK,” the source explained.
The informant noted that the “Live to Lead” star did not wish to impose on the British taxpayer and first offered to pay for police protection to safeguard his family in January 2020. However, his request was denied.
Subtly slamming the system for the Sussexes’ unfair treatment, the insider added, “As is widely known, others who have left public office and have an inherent threat risk receive police protection at no cost to them.”
“The goal for Prince Harry has been simple — to ensure the safety of himself and his family while in the U.K. so his children can know his home country,” the Duke’s representative claimed.
In light of his determination to protect his loved ones, Harry got the right to challenge the Home Office’s ban. Last summer, four of the five grounds brought forward by the Prince were considered “arguable” in court.
The first hearing occurred in July 2022 at the High Court in London, where the Sussexes’ security was claimed to be on a “flexible, case-by-case” basis. However, the “Harry & Meghan” star’s lawyer refuted this statement, stating, “what flexible sometimes means is no security.”
A year after this legal drama, the Ripple of Hope Award laureate continued the battle with another hearing in May 2023. Unfortunately, his case against the British government resulted in a sad outcome.
On May 23, Judge Mr. Justice Chamberlain announced at The Royal Courts of Justice in London that he would not allow the Duke of Sussex to fight against the government. The 38-year-old was not permitted to seek a judicial review of the decision to strip him of police protection.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Experienced A Traumatic ‘Near-fatal’ Car Chase With Paparazzi
Days before Prince Harry lost the bid to pay for his police protection in the UK, the Prince’s concern for his family’s safety skyrocketed thanks to the paparazzi. As shared by PageSix, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were harassed at the Women of Vision Awards in Manhattan.
The couple had attended the event, where the former Hollywood sensation was honored by Gloria Steinem. Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, joined the lovebirds at the Ziegfeld Theater to celebrate her daughter’s stellar feat. However, after leaving the ceremony, the trio was reportedly followed by twelve paparazzi vehicles.
Trying to lose the persistent photographers, the group ditched their SUV and hopped into a cab. But their efforts did not stop their pursuers, whom an insider claimed nearly caused tragic road accidents with their reckless driving.
The source alleged that a cameraman collided with a vehicle while another almost ran over an NYPD officer during the “near-fatal” chase. A representative for the Sussexes shared similar statements about the horrifying incident.
“Last night, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Ms. Ragland were involved in a near catastrophic car chase at the hands of a ring of highly aggressive paparazzi,” the source acknowledged, noting that the incident caused several problems.
“This relentless pursuit, lasting over two hours, resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians, and two NYPD officers,” the informant added. “While being a public figure comes with a level of interest from the public, it should never come at the cost of anyone’s safety.”
