A British court is set to announce today whether Prince Harry will regain police protection when visiting the United Kingdom, a decision that could impact how often he returns home with his family.
Harry has been fighting a long legal battle since losing full government-funded security after stepping back from royal duties in 2020. He and his wife Meghan moved to California that year, where they have since welcomed a daughter, Lilibet, joining their son Archie.
The UK government scaled down Harry’s security through a special committee that reviews protection for public figures. The panel decided he no longer qualified for the same level of coverage, saying his changed role and limited time in the UK made a difference.
Harry challenged the decision in court last year but lost. He was later granted permission to appeal, arguing that the decision was unfair and failed to properly consider ongoing threats to his safety.
In court, Harry’s legal team said he had been singled out for reduced protection and pointed to serious risks, including threats from terrorist groups and a car chase with paparazzi in New York. They argued that these incidents show why the prince and his family still need official protection during visits to the UK.
The government, however, responded that the reduced security arrangement was tailored to Harry’s new life outside the UK. Officials say he gave up regular royal duties and now lives abroad, so his situation is different from other senior royals.
Harry has made it clear that he still sees the UK as his home and wants his children to grow up knowing their heritage. But he insists he cannot bring them safely to Britain unless proper security is in place.
The prince has spoken openly about his fear of the press, especially after losing his mother, Princess Diana, in a tragic car crash while fleeing paparazzi in 1997. His concern for safety has been a central part of his decision to leave the royal spotlight.
Harry’s relationship with the royal family has grown more distant in recent years. He rarely speaks to his brother, Prince William, and has barely seen his father, King Charles, who is currently being treated for cancer. Public comments and interviews by Harry and Meghan have also widened the rift with the family.
While Harry has kept a lower public profile since leaving the UK, Meghan has become more active in the media, launching a podcast, producing shows for Netflix, and returning to social media.
Today’s court ruling will determine whether Harry can bring his family to Britain under the protection of the same police force that guards other royals — a decision with emotional, personal, and political weight.