Prince Harry has spoken out following his recent legal defeat in a high-profile case concerning his police protection while in the UK. In a powerful statement issued by the Sussex office, the Duke of Sussex expressed deep disappointment with the court’s decision and revealed troubling insights into how security arrangements were handled behind the scenes.
The court ruled against Prince Harry on Friday, prompting the Duke to appear in an interview and release an official statement addressing the outcome. He emphasized that his legal challenge was never about personal privilege but solely about ensuring the safety of his family when visiting the United Kingdom.
“This legal action has been a last resort,” Harry said. “It’s always been about ensuring my safety and that of my immediate family.” He added that the process had uncovered “shocking truths,” including the Royal Household’s unexpected involvement in security decisions.
According to the Duke, RAVEC—the body responsible for determining protection levels for royals and public figures—failed to conduct the required annual security assessments in 2020, which led to him being stripped of lifelong protection. He claimed this action put his family at serious risk and set a dangerous precedent for how other governments might view his security needs.
In the statement, Harry also revealed that in 2017, a secret committee initially decided that Meghan Markle would not receive protection upon marrying into the royal family. That decision was only reversed after Harry directly questioned who would take responsibility for her safety.
The Duke added that he had attempted to resolve the matter privately by offering to pay for police protection himself. “No one responded directly to me about my offer,” he stated, noting that even though he challenged the decision legally, the claim was ultimately dismissed.
He further claimed that several individuals involved in the RAVEC decisions “retired immediately after playing their part,” and expressed concern over the lack of transparency and fairness in the process.
Despite having access to a liaison officer for intelligence updates, Harry emphasized that the private security he currently uses is “insufficient,” especially given the threats he and his family continue to face.
In an unusual move, Buckingham Palace issued a response, saying, “All of these issues have been examined repeatedly and meticulously by the courts, with the same conclusion reached on each occasion.”
The Duke’s statement underscores the ongoing rift between Prince Harry and the royal institution, raising serious questions about how safety is determined for members of the royal family who step back from official duties.
