Prince Harry has lost his final legal battle to reinstate taxpayer-funded security protection in the UK. On 2 May 2025, the UK Court of Appeal upheld the government’s decision to scale back his security following his departure from royal duties in 2020.
In a ruling delivered by Judge Sir Geoffrey Vos, the court acknowledged Prince Harry’s concerns but stated they did not provide sufficient grounds to overturn the government’s decision. The court emphasized that the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) had acted reasonably in determining that Harry’s security should be assessed on a case-by-case basis during his visits to the UK, with a 30-day notice required before any visit.
Despite the decision, the court confirmed that Harry’s current security arrangements were deemed adequate and proportionate, putting an end to his appeal. This ruling also brings clarity to the procedures governing the security of former royals, setting a precedent for future cases.
In response, Prince Harry expressed deep disappointment, stressing that he could not safely bring his family to the UK under the current security measures. He criticized both the UK government and royal officials for their roles in the matter, describing the outcome as devastating. However, he reiterated his desire for reconciliation with his family, especially with King Charles III, with whom he has had limited contact following ongoing security disputes.
The legal battle has proved costly for Harry, who now faces the burden of covering 90% of the government’s legal expenses. The case has also caused further strain in his relationship with the royal family, raising uncertainty about future visits to the UK for Harry and his family.
This ruling marks the conclusion of a lengthy legal struggle and sets a significant precedent for how the UK government will handle the security arrangements for former royals in the future.
