The Home Office is refusing to back down in its extraordinary legal battle with Prince Harry over his police protection when he visits Britain, sources said last night.
Sunday’s Mail reported that the Duke of Sussex has requested a Judicial Review to challenge the Home Office decision to withdraw his protection within the UK.
After we broke the story, an unnamed spokesman acting for Harry said the legal action was over a Home Office refusal to provide police protection to Harry in the UK – even though the Duke had offered to pay for it.
According to sources, the Home Office has refused to concede its incredible legal battle against Prince Harry for his protection under police custody when he visits Britain.
The legal representative stated that the Duke had first offered to cover UK police protection for his family and himself in January 2020 at Sandringham.
“That offer was rejected.” He was willing to continue to cover security costs so that they are not passed on to the British taxpayer.
Now, a top source tells this newspaper: “I haven’t seen any writing suggesting this is about whether he pays or not.” The issue is whether the security has been granted.
Harry’s legal team claims that private bodyguards hired in the UK would not be sufficient. However, it is believed that the Royal legal action has angered government officials.
According to a security source, Harry’s divorce terms were made clear when he left The Firm. Like other members of the public, he and his wife are not able to hire armed cops at will – no matter how much they offer to pay.’
According to the source, protective security is based on “role and risk” and cannot be duplicated in Britain because “we don’t allow people wander the streets with guns here”. He also said that other minor Royals are able to live normal lives without the need for armed guards. The Home Office has refused to blink.
In a briefing document sent to journalists – but withheld from The Mail on Sunday – an unnamed spokesperson for the Sussexes wrote: ‘The UK Home Office ignored pleas for more help and greater flexibility.’
The Duke applied for permission to file judicial review proceedings against Priti Patel, the Home Secretary.
The Government had failed to take into account the Duke of Edinburgh’s situation, undiminished threats and the effect on UK reputation for a high ranking member of the Royal Family.
If Prince Harry is granted the chance to review the matter, it will be presented before the High Court.