The Duke of Sussex has voiced deep concern over the withdrawal of his police protection, which he believes was intended to discourage him and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, from relocating to the United States.
In a candid interview with The Telegraph, he revealed the difficulty of accepting the decision, implying that it played a significant role in the breakdown of his relationship with his father, the King. He expressed his struggle to forgive the way he had been treated, particularly in light of confidential evidence revealed in court, which he says confirmed his worst suspicions. He contends that the removal of his taxpayer-funded security was a misguided attempt to pressure him and Meghan into remaining in the UK after they announced plans to step back from royal duties.
Reflecting on the situation outside the Royal Courts of Justice following a two-day appeal hearing, he remarked that they were simply trying to build a happy home. He and Meghan had hoped their departure would lead to better family dynamics, but instead, the revocation of their security seemed designed to tie them to the monarchy and deter their return to the UK by making visits feel risky and unwelcome.
Determined to protect his family, the Duke took the rare step of suing the British government in an effort to have his security reinstated. He highlighted the gravity of this legal battle, saying it was even more important to him than his long-standing fight against the tabloid press, which he once described as his life's mission. This case, he said, mattered the most. His legal challenge argues that the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC), which oversees security for high-profile individuals, failed to follow its own protocols and treated him unfairly. Unlike the King, Queen, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, who are entitled to full-time protection funded by taxpayers, the Duke and his family must give 30 days’ notice for UK visits and have security granted based on the purpose of the trip—a condition he believes ignores the actual threats to his safety.
He suggested that the King could theoretically intervene, as Sir Clive Alderton, the King’s private secretary, sits on RAVEC. However, Buckingham Palace has firmly denied that the monarch has any influence over the ongoing legal process. It has also been reported that the Duke has not been in contact with his father or his brother, the Prince of Wales, for several months. Much of the case has been shrouded in secrecy due to the sensitive nature of the security threats discussed, including the most recent appeal hearing.
The Duke shared that, although he has been able to forgive many things since meeting Meghan in 2016, he struggles to move past the legal ordeal and what he believes to be its underlying motivations. He expressed frustration with certain information presented during the private hearings, suggesting the public would be stunned by what remains undisclosed. The experience, he said, left him exhausted and emotionally drained, acknowledging that even a favorable ruling might not alter existing policies. Despite this, he remains determined to continue fighting against perceived injustices. Shortly after the hearing, he traveled to Ukraine to visit victims of war, reaffirming his commitment to seeking justice regardless of the outcome. He described his drive to “get under the bonnet and fix it,” emphasizing that the fight is far from over. A decision from the three-judge panel is expected after Easter, and he plans to return to the UK to support his charitable work, even if the ruling does not go in his favor.
The Duke and Duchess announced their decision to step back from royal responsibilities on January 8, 2020. During a crisis meeting at Sandringham, known as the Sandringham Summit, the Duke was initially told they would retain security. However, after weeks of discussion, RAVEC concluded on February 28 that the couple’s new status as private citizens living abroad did not justify continued protection, and their Metropolitan Police security was formally withdrawn at the end of March. The Duke was incensed, viewing the decision as punishment for choosing to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of his family.
After relocating, the couple sought financial independence and secured a lucrative five-year deal with Netflix, producing several projects including the widely watched documentary Harry & Meghan. They also signed a partnership with Spotify, which led to the release of the Duchess’s podcast series, Archetypes. Since then, Meghan has begun to rebrand herself as a lifestyle figure, launching her new venture, American Riviera Orchard, in conjunction with her latest Netflix series With Love, Meghan.
