Prince Harry has received a major blow as a High Court judge has rejected his attempt to launch an appeal against the court’s decision to reject his challenge against the Government over his security when in the UK.
The Duke of Sussex took legal action against the Government after they downgraded his security status following his decision to step down as a senior working royal.
Ravec, the committee that oversees security arrangements for the Royal Family and other high profile figures, decided in February 2020 that Harry was no longer entitled to automatic police protection when in the UK.
But in February High Court judge Sir Peter Lane rejected his case – and has now thrown out his attempt to appeal the verdict.
Harry’s legal team is now expected to take his case directly to the Court of Appeal.
The 39-year-old did receive some good news however, as the judge “penalised” the Home Office for its delay in providing information about the workings of Ravec.
The Government department was legally required to mention three categories of people for whom Ravec provides state protection: role-based individuals such as working members of the Firm, other VIPs and those who need occasional support – but failed to do so.
As a result, Harry’s legal team was not made aware of the “other VIP” category, something they claim was crucial to his claim.
They sought “a reduction of 50-60 percent because of the way in which the documents and information were disclosed” and the judge granted a 10 percent discount.
In court documents seen by the Times, Sir Peter said that while the Home Office had not acted in bad faith, “the defendant’s breaches are, in all the circumstances, sanctionable”.
A Home Office spokesman said: “While we are pleased with the decision of the Court to refuse permission to appeal, it would be inappropriate to comment further on legal proceedings.”