Prince Harry ‘requested certain protection’ in the UK over ‘international threat’
Prince Harry has requested specific security protection following a threat made against him by al Qaida, court documents have revealed. The Duke of Sussex, 40, appeared at the Royal Courts of Justice in London last week for the latest stage of his legal battle with the Home Office. The case concerns the level of taxpayer-funded…
Prince Harry has requested specific security protection following a threat made against him by al Qaida, court documents have revealed.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, appeared at the Royal Courts of Justice in London last week for the latest stage of his legal battle with the Home Office.
The case concerns the level of taxpayer-funded personal security he should receive when visiting the UK.
A summary of evidence heard in private during Harry’s appeal case states: “The Appellant confirmed that he had requested certain protection after a threat was made against him by al Qaida.”
Prince Harry has requested specific security protection following a threat made against him by al Qaida, court documents have revealed
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Harry has previously stated he faces a greater risk than his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, with “additional layers of racism and extremism”.
The duke believes his family faces an “international threat”.
Court documents revealed that after Ravec’s 2020 decision on his security, al Qaida called for Harry “to be murdered”.
His security team was informed that the terrorist group had published a document stating his “assassination would please the Muslim community”, according to Shaheed Fatima KC, representing the duke.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they were stepping back from official public duties in January 2020
PA
In February 2020, the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) decided Harry should receive a different degree of protection when in the UK.
The Sussexes now receive a “bespoke” security service, requiring 30 days’ notice of UK travel plans, with each visit being assessed for threat levels and whether protection is needed.
Fatima told the appeal hearing that the duke had been “singled out for different, unjustified and inferior treatment”.
She added that Harry “does not accept that ‘bespoke’ means ‘better’.”
Prince Harry will be receiving a decision on the case in writing at a later date
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Harry and Meghan announced they were stepping back from official public duties in January 2020 and during the “Sandringham summit” that followed, they were told they would not be able to retain full-time police protection.
Such protection is currently granted to the King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children.
The Home Office, which is legally responsible for Ravec’s decisions, is opposing Harry’s appeal.
A decision on the case is expected in writing at a later date.
