Prince Harry’s decision to step back from his life as a working royal has led to a unique set of circumstances that have affected the security arrangements in place for him, raising concerns about fairness and effectiveness.
Prince Harry’s decision to step back from his life as a working royal has led to a ‘unique set of circumstances’ that have affected the security arrangements in place for him. According to Sir James Eadie KC, a government barrister, the Duke of Sussex’s life is now at stake, and he has been given a security process that he knows is inferior.
Prince Harry is a member of the British royal family and the youngest son of Charles, Prince of Wales, and the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
Born on September 15, 1984, he is sixth in line to the British throne.
Prince Harry served two tours of duty in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot in the British Army.
He married American actress Meghan Markle in 2018 and they have two children together.
The Duke of Sussex has been involved in various charitable endeavors, including conservation and mental health initiatives.
The Role of the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec)
The Ravec committee, which decides on security levels for members of the royal family, including Prince Harry, operates under ‘royal prerogative‘ rather than being bound by law. Its chair, Sir Richard Mottram, has been in charge for over a decade and is considered a senior decision-maker. However, this lack of oversight has raised concerns about the fairness and effectiveness of Ravec’s decisions.
A Flexible Approach to Security
Sir James Eadie KC argued that it was right to take a flexible approach to Prince Harry‘s security needs after he stepped back from his royal duties in 2020. The Duke’s decision to live abroad with his family, who are now based in California, has meant that his security arrangements must be tailored to meet the unique risks associated with this situation.
Prince Harry's security is a top priority due to his royal status.
He has access to the Metropolitan Police's Royalty Protection Unit, which provides around-the-clock protection.
The unit consists of highly trained officers who are responsible for safeguarding the prince and his family during official engagements.
Additionally, Prince Harry's personal protection officer accompanies him on all public outings.
This multi-layered approach ensures the prince's safety and security at all times.
The Duke’s Appeal
Prince Harry has appealed against a decision to downgrade his police protection when he visits the UK. His barrister, Shaheed Fatima KC, argued that Prince Harry had been given a ‘so-called bespoke process’ that saw him receive unjustified and inferior treatment compared to other high-profile visitors. The Home Office is opposing the appeal on behalf of Ravec.
”There is a person sitting behind me whose safety, whose security and whose life is at stake.” This poignant observation underscores the importance of ensuring that Prince Harry receives the necessary protection to safeguard his well-being.
A Case of Unusual Circumstances
Prince Harry‘s situation presents a unique set of circumstances that require careful consideration. The government barrister emphasized that Ravec had not followed its own standard procedures in downgrading Prince Harry‘s security, and that this decision was made without expert analysis of the risks he faces. This raises questions about the fairness and effectiveness of Ravec’s processes and highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to security protection.
