PRINCE Harry warned officials who pulled his family’s UK security that he believed they were “at a greater risk” than Princess Diana.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, claimed that the “racism and extremism” nowadays – compared to when his mum died – made him more concerned for his loved ones’ safety than ever before.
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Prince Harry said he believed his family was ‘at a greater risk’ without security than they would have been decades agoCredit: Alexi Lubomirski
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He referred to how his mum Princess Di had not been put in a position with no protectionCredit: Alamy
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Harry’s concerns were revealed today as he lost his bid for security in the UKCredit: Getty
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He and Meghan, pictured in Canada earlier this month, were stripped of their security in 2020Credit: Getty
Harry also outlined his “biggest threat” and asked who would be held “accountable” if something did happen to him, Meghan, Archie or Lilibet while they visited the UK.
The prince argued this after the Home Office refused to spend taxpayers’ money on bodyguards when he left the Royal Family in 2020.
Harry moaned he was being treated “less favourably” than others in The Firm, but today lost his bid for security.
A Judge ruled that the decision to pull the Sussexes protection amid Megxit was “justified” – with the prince quickly saying he planned to appeal the judgment.
The Sussexes were stripped of their round-the-clock protection in 2020.
It happened after the pair announced they were quitting as senior royals – and would “step back” from their duties.
Two years later, in 2022, it was announced that the Sussexes were taking legal action over the call.
Harry moaned he was unable to return with his family home “because it is too dangerous”.
He was allowed protection when he stayed at royal residences or attended royal events but had to fend for himself if he wanted to see friends.
It was this morning ruled those conditions were fair, and would continue.
However, the findings also laid out some of the prince’s fears for his family after they lost their protection.
Harry outlined what he believed his “biggest threat” was – but it was redacted from the findings.
He also asked who would be willing to put his family in a position of “extreme vulnerability and risk”.
The prince continued: “[It was] a position that no one was willing to put my mother in 23 years ago – and yet today, with greater risk, as mentioned above, with the additional layers of racism and extremism, someone is comfortable taking accountability for what could happen.
“I would like that person’s name who is willing to take accountability for this choice please.”
Harry also asked if anyone had thought about “the consequences” of the decision to cut his security.
MEGXIT TERMS
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced on January 8, 2020, they would be stepping down as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family.
On January 18 it was announced that the Sussexes would “no longer be working members of Britain’s Royal Family”, and would not use their “Royal Highness” titles.
A Palace spokeswoman said the couple would no longer receive public money and that they would repay the £2.4million cost of refurbishing their cottage — Frogmore — in Windsor, Berks.
The following day, Harry said in a heartfelt speech: “Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth, and my military associations without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible.”
The Duke of Sussex said he had found the “love and happiness I had hoped for all my life” with Meghan.
He said: “Prove to me that someone has actually thought about the consequences without being punitive, which is how most of the decisions have been made in the last couple of months.”
Harry added: “The obvious difference aside from that is the fact that I was born into this and the threat will never decrease because of my status regarding the family.”
The High Court heard last year how Harry had brought a case against the Home Office and the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec).
The prince’s lawyers argued he was “singled out” and treated “less favourably” in the decision.
Despite his pleas, the judge ruled against him.
The findings of December’s hearing published today read: “The court has found that there has not been any unlawfulness in reaching the decision of 28 February 2020.
HARRY BREAKS SILENCE ON LOST BID
“Any departure from policy was justified. The decision was not irrational.
“The decision was not marred by procedural unfairness. Even if such
procedural unfairness occurred, the court would in any event be prevented from granting the claimant 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.”
It added: “The court has also found that there has been no unlawfulness on the part of RAVEC in respect of its arrangements for certain of the claimant’s visits to Great Britain, following the decision of 28 February 2020.”
Today a legal spokesman added: “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.
“In February 2020, Ravec failed to apply its written policy to the Duke of Sussex and excluded him from a particular risk analysis. The duke’s case is that the so-called ‘bespoke process’ that applies to him, is no substitute for that risk analysis.
“The Duke of Sussex hopes he will obtain justice from the Court of Appeal, and makes no further comment while the case is ongoing.”
Megxit timeline
November 2016 – Harry formally reveals he is in a relationship with Suits actress Meghan Markle.
September 2017 – Meghan tells Vanity Fair the couple are in love and happy together.
September 2017 – The couple make their first public appearance together holding hands at the Invictus Games in Toronto.
November 2017 – Prince Charles issues a statement revealing Harry and Meghan are engaged.
May 2018 – Harry and Meghan tie the knot, becoming Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
October 2018 – The couple announce they are expecting their first child while on their first overseas tour in Australia.
March 2019 – Harry and Meghan set up their own household, splitting their joint operation with Prince William and Kate.
May 2019 – Meghan gives birth to a baby boy named Archie.
October 2019 – Harry reveals his rift with his brother William in a bombshell documentary.
January 2020 – The couple stun the Queen by announcing plans to quit senior roles and settle in North America. After ten days of talks at Sandringham, it’s agreed the couple will no longer be working royals and will give up their “Royal Highness” titles.
March 2020 – Harry and Meghan carry out their last official engagement and move to California.
September 2020 – Netflix announces a huge deal with the couple.
February 2021 – Buckingham Palace announces the couple’s split as working members of the monarchy is permanent and they will lose their royal patronages.
March 2021 – The palace says it is “very concerned” about allegations of bullying made by former staff of Harry and Meghan, launching a probe.
March 2021 – Meghan tells Oprah Winfrey Archie wasn’t made a prince after “concerns and conversations” about “how dark” his skin would be when he was born. She claims Kate “hurt her feelings” and made her cry before her wedding. Harry says Charles has stopped taking his calls and he has been “cut off” financially.
January 2023 – Harry publishes his tell-all memoir Spare, launching scathing attacks on William, Kate and Camilla. He says he and William once got into a physical fight over Meghan.
April 2023 – Harry has a “heart-to-heart” talk with his dad before agreeing to come to the Coronation in London.
September 2023 – Harry rejects an offer to spend the anniversary of the Queen’s death at Balmoral with his father.
February 2024 – Prince Harry flies to the UK to be with his father as royal experts claim their four-year rift could be put aside. They meet for half an hour before Harry flies home. He does not meet William.
