[Lifestyle]What are Harry and Meghan's UK security arrangements and where do they get their money?

[FRIDAY THE 13]

 

Prince Harry is challenging the decision to downgrade his UK security protection, at London's Court of Appeal.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex left the UK after stepping back from official royal duties in 2020.

The couple have since launched commercial ventures, including several Netflix series and a new lifestyle brand headed by the duchess, Meghan Markle.

Why has Harry gone to court over his security?
After stepping back from official duties, the duke and duchess were no longer given the security arrangements provided for senior royals.

Harry said it was too dangerous to bring his family back to the UK without adequate police protection, and took the government to court.

"The UK is my home," he told the High Court in December 2023. "The UK is central to the heritage of my children. That cannot happen if it's not possible to keep them safe."

Home Office lawyers said the duke would still have publicly funded police security in the UK, under "bespoke arrangements" decided on a case-by-case basis.

In February 2024, the High Court ruled this was "legally sound".

However, he is now challenging the decision at the Court of Appeal. Some of the two day hearing, which began on 8 April, will be held in private.

A separate court ruling previously rejected the prince's request to be allowed to pay privately for more substantial protection.

Harry has also said his private security can't access Home Office or security services databases to know about threats against him.

LIVE: Follow the latest developments as Prince Harry arrives at court
Why did Harry and Meghan leave the Royal Family?
Harry and Meghan met in 2016 and married in 2018. They stepped down as senior royals in January 2020.

Angry about media intrusion, they were frustrated that Buckingham Palace prevented them developing their "SussexRoyal" brand.

Harry remains a prince and is fifth in line to the throne. 

 

https://bbc.com/news/explainers-51047186