Harry ‘singled out’ for ‘inferior treatment,’ says lawyer at appeal over prince’s security detail

Prince Harry’s legal battle over his British security detail took a new turn as his lawyer argued in London’s appeal court that he was unfairly treated when his government-funded protection was stripped in February 2020. The Duke of Sussex, who made a rare appearance in court for the hearing, lost his security after stepping down from his royal duties and moving to the U.S.

In a previous ruling, a High Court judge found that the decision to provide “bespoke” security for Harry, tailored to his specific needs during visits to the U.K., was lawful and justified. However, Harry’s lawyer, Shaheed Fatima, contended that the evaluation panel failed to follow its own process and conduct a proper risk assessment.

Fatima argued that Harry had been singled out for inferior treatment, stating, “The appellant does not accept that bespoke means better. In fact, in his submission, it means that he has been singled out for different, unjustified, and inferior treatment.” Harry, 40, appeared in court dressed in a navy blue suit and light blue tie, underscoring the significance of the case to him.

The Duke of Sussex has been a vocal advocate for his family’s safety, citing threats and hostility from social media and the press. Despite his efforts to privately fund a police detail for his visits to the U.K., a judge rejected the proposal, emphasizing that officers should not serve as “private bodyguards for the wealthy.”

Harry has faced legal battles against tabloid publishers, including dropping a libel case against the Daily Mail for alleging he tried to conceal his government-funded security arrangements. However, he secured a significant victory in a phone-hacking lawsuit against the Daily Mirror, where a judge found the practice to be “widespread and habitual.”

In a monumental win, Rupert Murdoch’s U.K. tabloids issued an unprecedented apology to Harry and agreed to pay substantial damages to settle his privacy-invasion lawsuit. The Duke of Sussex has another ongoing case against the publisher of the Daily Mail, continuing his fight for privacy and security.

With Harry’s legal battles unfolding in the public eye, his appearances in court have been sporadic but impactful. As he navigates the complex intersection of royalty, privacy, and security, his determination to protect his family’s well-being remains unwavering.