Royal Household Reportedly Had A Say In Downgrading Prince Harry's Security

Prince Harry reportedly faced "significant tensions" with Queen Elizabeth's top aide involved in downgrading his security.

Sir Edward Young, the Queen's private secretary, is said to be involved in downgrading the security of the Duke of Sussex. It has been questioned whether it was "appropriate" for Sir Edward or other members of the Royal Household to sit on the committee when they had been told it was "independent."

Harry's legal team argued regarding the decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, known as Ravec, concerning his security. Harry's team labeled it as invalid because of "procedural unfairness." The decision was claimed to be "materially prejudiced" as key information was withheld, Shaeed Fatima QC said.

Harry lost complete protection after he and Meghan Markle withdrew from their senior royal duties in 2020. Representing the 37-year-old Duke, Fatima said, "He didn't know at that stage that the Royal Household was involved at all." She claimed that Harry should have been able to make direct representations to Ravec to ensure his statements were adequately delivered to the committee and been given a chance to respond to the matters being made by others, including members of the Royal Household. Fatima also added that his offer to pay for his own police protection "was not conveyed to Ravec," and so the decision was "materially prejudiced."

Harry's legal team is asking Mr. Justice Swift to decide whether Harry has an arguable case. If approved, Harry will make his case to the High Court.

Meanwhile, Sir James Eadie QC, representing the Home Office, pointed out in written arguments that personal tensions between Harry and the Royal Household officials were "irrelevant" to his change in status when he withdrew from his royal duties. He also added that there was "no basis" to conclude that Harry making representations to the committee would have led to a different conclusion.

Palmer has also previously disregarded Harry's argument as "irrelevant." He said, "Personal protective security by the police is not available on a privately financed basis, and Ravec does not make decisions on the provision of such security on the basis that any financial contribution could be sought or obtained to pay for it."

Harry and Meghan's rare United Kingdom visit includes the time when the couple stopped in the country in April to meet the Queen on the way to their Invictus Games. They also attended the thanksgiving service during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June.