The Duke of Sussex has opened up about the emotional toll of his ongoing legal battle with the UK Home Office, revealing he feels “overwhelmed” and “exhausted” by the process. The Duke of Sussex, 40, is currently appealing a decision that downgraded his level of police protection when visiting the UK.
Speaking to The Telegraph following his appearance at the Royal Courts of Justice this week, Harry expressed deep frustration over the handling of the case.
“People would be shocked by what’s being held back,” he said. “My worst fears have been confirmed by the whole legal disclosure in this case—and that’s really sad.”
The Duke attended both days of the hearing, part of which was held behind closed doors to allow the court to consider confidential evidence.
Legal Challenge Against the Home Office
The case centers around the decision made by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) in February 2020, shortly after Harry and Meghan stepped back from their roles as senior working royals.
Ravec concluded that Harry should no longer receive automatic police protection funded by the public while in the UK. Instead, he and his family would be subject to a “bespoke” security arrangement, requiring them to provide 30 days’ notice before any trip to the UK, so each visit could be assessed individually for risk and need.
Harry is appealing a previous High Court ruling by retired judge Sir Peter Lane, who determined that Ravec’s decision was lawful.
In his conversation with The Telegraph, the Duke suggested the decision to strip him of police protection may have been an attempt to deter the Sussexes from stepping away from royal life and relocating abroad—an allegation strongly denied by sources within Buckingham Palace.
“We were trying to create this happy house,” Harry said, reflecting on the couple’s desire for a more independent and secure life.
The Home Office Responds
The Home Office continues to oppose the appeal, maintaining that Ravec’s decisions are made on a “case-by-case” basis and reflect an evolving security risk profile. Government lawyers argue that the current system is appropriate and that Harry’s unique circumstances were fully considered.
As the legal battle continues, Prince Harry’s comments underline just how deeply personal and distressing this chapter has been for him—a conflict that not only touches on his family’s safety but also his ongoing relationship with the institutions he once served.
