Prince Harry Returns to the UK for a Court Hearing – Photos
The Duke of Sussex’s presence in court marks a significant moment in his continued legal fight against the Home Office over his security arrangements in the UK.
Prince Harry was photographed arriving at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, on Tuesday, April 8. His return to the UK for a court hearing stirred up strong reactions online, with many critics voicing their frustration over his ongoing legal battle for security.
The duke, dressed in a dark suit and arriving in a black Range Rover, waved at the media outside but declined to respond to questions, including one about whether he would speak to his father, King Charles III, during the visit.
This latest court appearance is part of a long-running legal battle that began in September 2021. Back then, Harry launched legal action challenging the decision made by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) in February 2020 to downgrade his UK security.
That decision followed his and his wife’s Meghan Markle step back from royal duties and their move to the US. Hence, today’s hearing, which began with three judges reviewing the legal principles of the case, is a key moment for the duke, who has said his ability to visit the UK has been severely limited by the lack of government-provided security.
During a previous court hearing in December 2023, a witness statement from Harry was read aloud and it referenced his wife and kids. “It was with great sadness for both of us that my wife and I felt forced to step back from this role and leave the country in 2020,” the statement read.
It continued, “The UK is central to the heritage of my children and a place I want them to feel at home as much as where they live at the moment in the US. That cannot happen if it’s not possible to keep them safe when they are on UK soil.”
In his statement, Harry said he couldn’t risk his wife’s safety and, based on what he’s been through in life, was also hesitant to expose himself to danger without good reason.
Now, the two-day hearing at the Court of Appeal is underway, with many closely watching and awaiting the judges’ decision.
As images of Harry’s return spread across social media, public reaction was swift. Several people shared their frustration at his continued demands for publicly funded protection.
One person didn’t hold back, penning, “What a shame.” Another critical voice added, “He should be ashamed to waste taxpayers money like this.” More people echoed these feelings, “What a disappointment he turned out to be.
Skepticism quickly followed, with a commenter questioning, “Really? At this point, He is demanding security from the UK?”
Some people pointed to Harry’s past decisions, “He made a choice. He wanted nothing to do with Royal duties and serving the people of the UK.” The debate went on, as one user stated, “He’s not a working royal, he doesn’t earn that protection.”
Frustration was evident in another message, “The entitlement of this man is staggering.” And one person speculated about the timing, “Is it a coincidence that Charles and Camilla are away on a trip to Italy, when Harry turns up in the UK?”
As Prince Harry’s legal battle continues, it’s clear that his relationship with the UK, both the institution and the public, remains complex and emotionally charged.
After Harry’s significant departure from the royal family in 2020 and his relocation to North America, the British government announced that he would no longer receive the same level of publicly funded security during his visits to the UK.
Harry arriving in court to challenge the decision to reduce his personal security during his visits to the UK, emphasizing the need for protection for his wife and children’s safety as well.
Upon arriving at the central London court, Harry chose not to respond to the questions shouted by journalists.
While Harry’s UK visits are still met with police protection, the level of security he receives is determined on a case-by-case basis, with officials carefully assessing the situation each time.
Despite offering to personally cover the cost of additional security, Harry faced a system that insisted security funds must come centrally or not at all, a key point he’s fighting for in court.
One of the main arguments Harry brought to court today was the limitation on his private security’s access to critical Home Office databases, leaving them without the essential threat information needed for full protection.
His lawyer also contended that Harry has been treated unfairly and subjected to inferior security arrangements, claiming that he has been singled out in a way that others in similar circumstances have not been.
As his barrister, Shaheed Fatima KC, presented her opening argument, Harry observed from the back row, seated with a notepad, pen, and a bottle of water.
Harry’s legal fight for increased security in the UK is generating significant media coverage, with both supporters and critics weighing in on whether he deserves the protection he is seeking.
So, while Harry’s legal team presents their arguments, the media and public anxiously await the judges’ ruling on whether he will receive the security measures he seeks during his visits to the UK, keeping the pressure on the Home Office.
