Prince Harry Loses Legal Bid To 'Buy' Police Protection

The Duke of Sussex has lost his High Court bid to “buy” police protection for his family during trips to the UK

- LIZZIE DEARDE

Prince Harry had wanted to personally pay for security after being stripped of taxpayer-funded protection when he and his wife, the Duchess of Sussex, stepped down as senior royals and moved to the US in 2020.

But Home Office lawyers argued it was “not appropriate” for wealthy people to “buy” security from the police. There were also concerns that it would “reduce the availability” of a limited pool of close protection officers.

A judge has now refused Harry permission to bring a judicial review over the decision in what would have been a second challenge relating to his security arrangements.

The blow for Harry comes a week after he and his wife Meghan said they were involved in a “near catastrophic” car chase in New York after being followed by “highly aggressive paparazzi” in a “relentless pursuit”.

The legal action was among five other civil cases Harry is pursuing through the courts, including three outstanding claims relating to alleged phone hacking.

He has already been granted permission to fight the decision not to be given the “same degree” of personal protective security when visiting the UK, although a date for the hearing has not been set.