What Prince Harry's Latest Legal Loss Means For Kids Prince Archie & Princess Lilibet
Prince Harry’s latest legal battle has come to a major stop. The Duke of Sussex had been fighting for adequate police protection for him, his wife Meghan Markle, and their two kids, should they visit the U.K. ICYMI: The family of four’s security was downgraded after Harry and Meghan relinquished their status as senior royals in 2020.
But today, High Court judge Peter Lane upheld the decision by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC) and found there was no “unlawfulness” in the original 2020 decision.
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“The decision was not irrational,” Lane ruled according to documents obtained by People. “The decision was not marred by procedural unfairness.”
Unsurprisingly, the Duke of Sussex will now take his case to the Court of Appeals where he hopes to “obtain justice,” per a statement via a legal spokesperson.
“The Duke is not asking for preferential treatment, but for a fair and lawful application of RAVEC’s own rules, ensuring that he receives the same consideration as others in accordance with RAVEC’s own written policy,” the statement to People said. “In February 2020, RAVEC failed to apply its written policy to The Duke of Sussex and excluded him from a particular risk analysis.”
So what does all of this mean for Harry and Markle’s 4-year-old son Prince Archie and 2-year-old daughter Princess Lilibet? Well, it’s pretty safe to say they won’t be visiting the royal family any time soon. Not until the proper safety protocols are in place.
Last year, Harry offered to cover the costs of security, but the bid was denied. In a statement to the High Court, the Duke of Sussex explained why the measures were necessary for his family.
“The U.K. is my home,” he said. “The U.K. is central to the heritage of my children and a place I want them to feel at home as much as where they live at the moment in the United States. That cannot happen if there is no possibility to keep them safe when they are on U.K. soil.”
“I can’t put my wife in danger like that, and given my experiences in life, I’m reluctant to unnecessarily put myself in harm’s way too,” he said, likely referencing the tragic death of his mom Princess Diana.
What About King Charles?
Not only will Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet miss out on time with their older cousins Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, but they will miss incredibly valuable time with their grandfather, King Charles III, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
In his recent royal tell-all, author Omid Scobie alleged that Prince Harry has urged his father to make decisions based on Archie and Lilibet Diana in the past. “Don’t you want to see your grandchildren?” Harry allegedly asked his dad after he was effectively evicted from Frogmore Cottage.
Time will tell if the monarch might step in when it comes to his grandchildren’s security.
Before you go, check out all the times Meghan Markle has gotten candid about the joys and challenges of being a mom.
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