Prince Harry has seemingly earned sympathy from the public over his unfortunate situation regarding tax-payer-funded security. The Duke of Sussex, who was upset with his family for not receiving protection from the Home Office, has attracted public support following the mishap with Princess Diana.
“It may well be that it is ruled that he and his family could be included in the ‘Other VIP Category’, but the legal costs of his appeal will be substantial. Threat by far-right extremists and terrorists too,” Mr. Fitzwilliams added.
Prince Harry’s concerns over his family’s safety have become a significant issue. He has been vocal about his disappointment in not receiving the level of security he deems necessary, especially considering his mother’s tragic fate and his own high-profile status.
Speaking about Harry’s right to take his case to the Appeal Court against the High Court’s decision, Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams tells The Mirror: “His attempt to pay personally for extra police protection, has the obvious disadvantage that it would create a two-tier system and, as expected, failed in court.
“However, he is haunted by what happened to his mother and there is a threat by far-right extremists to him and his family. The granting of full taxpayer-funded protection for those who are not full-time working royals is likely to be difficult to obtain, but in his particular case, there will be some sympathy for what he sees as his predicament.”
The issue of security has been a contentious point between Prince Harry and the royal establishment. The Duke has argued that his status and the associated risks warrant protection funded by tax-payers, similar to other members of the royal family. However, the Home Office has not provided this protection, leading Harry to take legal action to appeal the decision.
The potential ruling that could place Harry and his family in the “Other VIP Category” might address some of these concerns, but the process is expected to be costly. As Mr. Fitzwilliams noted, “the legal costs of his appeal will be substantial,” adding that the threats posed by far-right extremists and terrorists only heighten the urgency of this matter.
Public sympathy for Prince Harry has grown, especially in light of his mother, Princess Diana, tragic death, which many believe could have been prevented with better security measures. This historical context has played a significant role in shaping public opinion, with many feeling that Harry’s requests are justified given the potential risks.