Prince Harry cut ties with his family in 2020, when he decided to leave the Royal Family and move to California alongside his wife Meghan, and their son Prince Archie. The break-up was definitely not smooth between both parties, with rumours rife about what really happened in the family.
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Moreover, Prince Harry has been fighting to get his protection services back, as they had been withdrawn when he left the Firm. He already lost once in court, and his appeal is currently ongoing.
Prince Harry claims his police protection was withdrawn to 'trap' him
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quit the Firm, they lost their taxpayer-funded protection services, which were essential to them while they lived in the UK. Indeed, a judge previously stated in February 2024 that the Prince and his wife would not get their police protection back, as it was taxpayer-funded for active members of the Royal Family. Prince Harry appealed the decision and even offered to pay for the protection privately.
The appeal hearing took place over in early April, afterwhich the Duke of Sussex claimed that his police protection was withdrawn in an effort to 'trap' him and his wife in the UK, and to forbid them from moving to the US. Prince Harry, who seldom speaks to the press, opened up to the Telegraph, saying that decision had been 'difficult to swallow', and he would not forgive what he heard in court.
The legal proceedings has left the Duke feeling 'exhausted' and 'overwhelmed'. The appeal was held in a private hearing, due to the sensitivity of the evidence and the impact it could have on the Duke's life. During the hearing, Prince Harry said his 'worst fears have been confirmed by the whole legal disclosure in this case and that’s really sad'. He told the Telegraph:
People would be shocked by what’s being held back.
Expert believes legal battle is why King Charles hasn't met his son
This legal battle is believed to be at the heart of the ongoing tension between Prince Harry and his father, and possibly his brother. The Duke of Sussex believes King Charles could have intervened in the decision to withdraw his police protection, especially since his private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, is a member of the board that decides who gets protection.
However, sources close to Buckingham Palace reportedly told the Telegraph that the King cannot get involved in judicial decisions, whether they involve his family or not.
According to TheGuardian, Sir Clive Alderton was not present when the board made the decision to withdraw his police protection five years ago. A source from the Palace explained:
These are matters of security and government policy and, as usual, it would be inappropriate to comment or intervene on either.
Commenting on how Prince Harry's relationship with King Charles has been affected by the legal battle, royal expert Robert Hardman said:
There is legal jeopardy which is the simple fact that here you have the son of the King suing the King's ministers in the King's court and that just creates all sorts of legal problems.
It would only need Harry to have a conversation with his father and then afterwards let slip, 'Oh my dad said this or my dad said that' and as we know, he does repeat conversations quite readily.
Indeed, it has been a long time since Prince Harry met his father King Charles. While he was in the UK for his proceedings in April, King Charles was in Italy so it is unlikely that their paths crossed.
As for the final decision regarding Prince Harry's security, it is to be made public by a panel of three judges after Easter.
Read more:
Prince Harry missed friend's wedding: Source claims it was due to security reasons
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle facing separate legal battles in 2025 – here's what's happening
Prince Harry and Meghan have differing views on children’s public presence, royal expert claims
Sources used:
Telegraph: Prince Harry: Police protection was withdrawn to trap me
Guardian: Prince Harry ‘exhausted’ by legal battle over UK police protection
Daily Mail: Royal expert reveals the legal reason King Charles did not meet Prince Harry ahead of his court case on PALACE CONFIDENTIAL
