Prince Harry awaits court ruling on UK police protection appeal

The verdict could shape the estranged royal’s ability to visit Britain with his family.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, wearing a Household Division regimental tie, attends the second day of a Court of Appeal hearing on his security at the Royal Courts of Justice on April 9, 2025, in London, England. Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Prince Harry is expected to receive a court verdict on Friday regarding his legal challenge to restore police protection during visits to the United Kingdom. The outcome could significantly affect how frequently he returns to Britain, especially with his wife Meghan and their two young children.

The Duke of Sussex, who left royal duties in 2020 to relocate to California, argues that the lack of government-funded police protection prevents him from safely bringing his family to the UK. His appeal, currently under review by the Court of Appeal, follows a previous ruling against him by the High Court, which sided with the Home Office’s decision to downgrade his security.

At the heart of the case is whether the British government acted lawfully and fairly when it stripped Prince Harry of automatic police protection following his decision to step back from royal duties. The prince and his legal team claim he was unfairly treated and that the downgrade puts him and his family at risk.

Long-running legal dispute over security access

The issue dates back to 2020, when the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC) determined that Prince Harry would no longer be entitled to the same level of taxpayer-funded police protection when in Britain. This came shortly after he and Meghan announced their intention to live abroad and cease working as senior royals.

Although Harry initially filed a legal challenge to that decision and lost in the High Court in 2023, he was later granted permission to appeal. His lawyers contend that the original decision was procedurally unfair and did not adequately weigh the ongoing threats to his safety.

"The UK is my home," Prince Harry said during the earlier hearing. "The UK is central to the heritage of my children. That cannot happen if it's not possible to keep them safe."

Legal arguments and ongoing security concerns

During the appeal hearing held in April, Harry's lawyers emphasized the gravity of the threats he continues to face. They referenced credible intelligence suggesting that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been targeted by terror groups such as al-Qaeda, as well as their recent experience in New York City involving an alleged high-speed car chase with paparazzi.

"There is a person sitting behind me whose safety, whose security and whose life is at stake," attorney Shaheed Fatima said during closing arguments.

Prince Harry, a former British Army captain who served two tours in Afghanistan, also brought up the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997. She was killed in a car crash while fleeing photographers in Paris—a trauma that has continued to shape his perception of media scrutiny and personal safety.

Harry has often cited media pressure and the resulting mental health challenges as reasons for distancing himself and his family from royal life. His memoir, television interviews, and Netflix documentary all touch on the invasive nature of press coverage and its impact on his well-being.

Government's argument: bespoke security for changed role

In contrast, lawyers representing the British government insist that the revised security arrangements are both reasonable and lawful. They argue that Harry’s reduced presence in the UK and his decision to step down from royal duties necessitated a new approach to protection—one tailored specifically to his current lifestyle.

“The security arrangements are bespoke and designed for his revised circumstances,” the government's legal team asserted during the hearing. They also pointed out that many public figures receive adjusted protection levels depending on their roles and risks.

RAVEC, the committee responsible for evaluating security needs for public figures, reportedly considered all relevant information before issuing the downgrade. Government officials maintain that they acted in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Family ties strained amid legal and personal battles

Beyond the legal realm, Prince Harry’s relationship with his royal relatives remains deeply strained. His once-close bond with his older brother, Prince William, has reportedly deteriorated to the point where the two no longer speak regularly. The fallout from Harry and Meghan’s candid interviews and documentaries—many of which contain criticisms of the royal family—has only widened the rift.

Similarly, Prince Harry has had limited contact with his father, King Charles III, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment. Despite returning to the UK on a few occasions, Harry has seen his father only briefly over the past year.

While Harry has maintained a relatively quiet profile in recent months, Meghan Markle has ramped up her public appearances and online ventures. She launched a new lifestyle brand, reemerged on social media, and announced upcoming projects, including a fresh podcast and collaborations with Netflix.

What the ruling means for Harry’s future in Britain

The pending court ruling will likely have far-reaching implications for Prince Harry’s connection to his homeland. If the appeal is upheld, it could pave the way for more frequent visits with Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet. Conversely, if the appeal fails, the current security limitations may continue to act as a barrier to such trips.

Although Harry has emphasized that the UK remains central to his identity and that of his children, he insists that any return must be conditional on proper protection. The outcome of the appeal could either reinforce or challenge the current stance of the British government on royal security.

As Britain awaits the court's decision, the case has sparked broader questions about how the monarchy adapts to modern realities—especially when senior royals seek independence while still invoking the privileges and responsibilities of their titles.

For Prince Harry, the ruling may mark a pivotal moment in his ongoing struggle to balance personal autonomy, familial obligations, and public scrutiny.