Duke of Sussex Granted Limited Protection During UK Visit
Prince Harry has hit a significant hurdle as he prepares for his High Court trial against News Group Newspapers (NGN) in London. The Duke of Sussex, who previously lost his legal battle for taxpayer-funded security, will now receive only limited police protection during his stay.
According to The Mirror, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley approved a temporary arrangement, assigning armed officers from the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command to safeguard Harry for the duration of his visit.
A source explained, “Harry will have limited police protection for the duration of his stay,” a reflection of the downgrade in his security arrangements since he stepped back from royal duties and moved to the United States in 2020.
This arrangement is similar to the temporary protection Harry received during King Charles III’s coronation in 2023, where he was briefly granted armed police support.
Despite this provision, the Duke’s ongoing legal dispute with the Home Office over his long-term security remains unresolved. An appeal hearing scheduled for April will address his efforts to regain broader protective measures.
The lack of guaranteed security has reportedly deterred Harry from bringing his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to the UK. A close associate of the Duke told HELLO! that safety concerns continue to be a significant obstacle to family visits.
As Harry returns to London for his legal battle, the unresolved security issues highlight the challenges he faces balancing his personal safety and family priorities with his public commitments.
