Prince Harry’s case was heard at the High Court in London this morning (Picture: Getty Images)
Prince Harry has lost a High Court challenge against the government to change his level of security during visits to the UK.
He had been trying to overturn a ruling which saw his security downgraded and have his police protection taken away after he stopped being a working royal.
But in a ruling today retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane rejected Harry’s case.
He ruled the decision to remove police protection was not unlawful and there was no ‘procedural unfairness’.
The judge said: ‘Even if such procedural unfairness occurred, the court would in any event be prevented from granting the claimant [Prince Harry] relief.
‘This is because, leaving aside any such unlawfulness, it is highly likely that the outcome for the claimant would not have been substantially different.’
The court proceedings were held in private without press or the public present because of confidential evidence read out about security measures.
Prince Harry lost his High Court challenge (Picture: Reuters)
What was Prince Harry’s High Court case? Ruling explained
Prince Harry lost a legal bid last year to be allowed to make private payments for police protection while visiting the UK.
A previous hearing held in December looked at Harry’s concerns about reduced security since ceasing to be a full-time working royal.
The hearing held in private heard how Harry felt ‘singled out’ and treated ‘less favourably’ over the decision.
Harry said his children cannot ‘feel at home’ in the UK because of the security arrangement.
His lawyers argued a failure to carry out a risk analysis and consider the impact of a ‘successful’ attack meant the approach to his protection was ‘unlawful and unfair’.
The government argued his case should be dismissed arguing his protection should be ‘bespoke’ and considered on a ‘case-by-case’ basis.
Home Office lawyers said Harry was no longer a member of the group of people whose ‘security position’ was under regular review but he was ‘brought back within the cohort in the appropriate circumstances’.
It was suggested it was ‘simply incorrect’ to suggest there was no evidence considered of the impact, adding the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, was raised as part of the decision.
The decision comes following the death of Thomas Kingston, aged 45, husband to Lady Gabriella Windsor who is the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.
Thomas Kingston died aged 45 on Sunday (Picture: Getty Images)
William missed his late godfather’s memorial service because of an undisclosed personal matter (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)
He was found dead at an address in the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire on Sunday evening and has plunged the Royal Family into a state of shock.
The King and Queen sent their ‘most heartfelt thoughts and prayers’ to Lady Gabriella, who is known as Ella, and Mr Kingston’s parents and siblings.
An inquest will be held into his death but there are no suspicious circumstances or other parties involved.
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Meanwhile Prince William pulled out of a memorial service for his late godfather because of an undisclosed personal matter.
Kensington Palace did not elaborate on the matter but in a rare update confirmed Kate continues to do well following her abdominal surgery.
She was admitted to hospital for a planned operation on January 16.
This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
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