Prince Harry Seeks Reassessment of Taxpayer-Funded UK Security
LONDON - Prince Harry is requesting a new security assessment from the UK government too determine the level of protection he requires when visiting the country, according to reports. the move comes after he lost a Court of Appeal challenge in May seeking to reinstate his full security detail, which was downgraded following his and Meghan Markle’s step back from senior royal duties.
Harry previously voiced concerns over being denied a formal security assessment after the couple’s transition. He has argued for continued taxpayer funding of his security, citing potential risks to his safety and that of his family.Following the court defeat, Harry stated he “can’t see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK.”
The renewed bid for a security reassessment follows recent incidents during Harry’s latest UK visit in May, where a known stalker repeatedly breached security perimeters. The “fixated individual,” with a history of following the Sussexes including during their 2024 visit to Nigeria,entered a secure zone at a London hotel during the WellChild awards ceremony and was later spotted close to Harry at Imperial College London’s Center for Blast Injury Studies. On both occasions, a member of Harry’s private security team physically intervened to prevent the stalker from approaching him, a tactic known as “body blocking.”
The UK government has not yet commented on Harry’s request for a new assessment. the initial downgrading of his security sparked a legal battle, with Harry arguing that the decision was unlawful and put his family at risk. the government maintained that the level of protection afforded to Harry should be proportionate to his current status.
