PRINCE Harry DOES want to “come back to see his family” despite the royal rifts, a lawyer has said in the royal protection row.
The Duke of Sussex is suing the Home Office because it refused to spend taxpayers’ money on bodyguards.
Harry, 37, who quit royal duty and privileges that come with the job to live in California with Meghan Markle two years ago, says he feels “unsafe” in the UK.
He wants to fund his own Met Police armed bodyguards but the Home Office refused and insiders are saying police are not “guns for hire”.
At the first part of the hearing held last week, the court heard that the duke considers that the UK “is and always will be, his home”.
Shaheed Fatima QC told the court: “It goes without saying that he does want to come back to see family and friends and to continue to support the charities that are so close to his heart.”
Harry is challenging the decision made in February 2020 by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec).
On Friday, the first hearing in the case continued at the Royal Courts of Justice in London – but Harry was not present.
Judge Mr Justice Swift summarised the four grounds forming the basis of the duke’s legal challenge.
He said these included an alleged “over rigid application of the policy” and a “failure” to take into account “relevant considerations”.
The grounds also claim that conclusions reached were “unreasonable” – and that “insufficient information” was provided in relation to the Ravec policy.
During the hearing, Shaheed Fatima QC, representing the duke, provided the judge with two letters “on the membership of Ravec”.
Ms Fatima told the court that “we now know” that the Cabinet Office as an “entity” is a member of Ravec.
A legal representative for Harry previously said the duke wants to fund the security himself, rather than ask taxpayers to foot the bill.
In written submissions, Robert Palmer QC, for the Home Office, argued that the duke’s offer to pay for his own security was “irrelevant.”
He said that “personal protective security by the police is not available on a privately financed basis”.
He said Ravec had attributed to the duke “a form of exceptional status” where he is considered for personal protective security by the police “with the precise arrangements being dependent on the reason for his presence in Great Britain and by reference to the functions he carries out when present”.
ROYAL SECURITY ROW
The barrister added: “A case-by-case approach rationally and appropriately allows Ravec to implement a responsive approach to reflect the applicable circumstances.”
The Home Office’s written arguments also claim that Harry’s offer of funding was “notably not advanced to Ravec” at the time of the duke’s visit in June 2021.
Harry returned briefly for the opening of a memorial for his late mother Princess Diana – and it’s understood the duke’s car was chased by photographers as he left.
It is believed to be the first time a member of the Royal Family has sued Her Majesty’s government.
But it comes just six weeks before Harry wants to come back to Britain for a Service of Thanksgiving for Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey with the Queen.
He also wants to come back for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June.
The Sussexes were stripped of their round-the-clock protection when they stepped back from royal duties two years ago.
Harry has moaned he is unable to return with Meg, Archie and Lilibet, “because it is too dangerous”.
He gets security when he stays at Frogmore Cottage or attends royal events but has to fend for himself if he wants to see friends and visit his UK charities.
