Prince Harry is continuing his legal bid to have adequate police protection for his family upon trips to the U.K.
At a preliminary hearing Friday, the Duke of Sussex's attorney Shaheed Fatima shared his concerns over the security arrangements put in place when he and Duchess Meghan stepped back from royal duties in early 2020. Speaking on Harry's behalf, Fatima told the High Court in London that he "does not feel safe" bringing his children Archie, 2, and Lilibet, 8 months, to the U.K. without proper protection.
A legal representative for the royal previously told Bazaar.com that he wants to bring Archie and Lili to his home country but is unable to because of increased threats. He feels that his family's privately-paid security team are unable to protect them at their full potential due to limitations created by a decision by the U.K. Home Office last year.
"This claim is about the fact that the claimant does not feel safe when he is in the U.K. given the security arrangements that were applied to him in June 2021 and will continue to be applied to him if he decides to come back," Fatima told the court, per The Guardian.
"And, of course, it should go without saying that he wants to come back: to see family and friends and to continue to support the charities that are so close to his heart. Most of all, this is, and always will be, his home," the attorney added.
Harry launched the judicial review in September 2021, following his visit to England to unveil a statue of his late mother, Princess Diana, at Kensington Palace. After attending a WellChild charity event in London, the prince's car was aggressively chased by paparazzi.
In a January 2022 statement, his legal spokesperson said, "The UK will always be Prince Harry's home and a country he wants his wife and children to be safe in... With the lack of police protection comes too great a personal risk."
The legal bid also comes ahead of a significant event for the royal family this year, Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne. The queen, 95, has also yet to meet her great granddaughter Lilibet.
Quinci LeGardye is an LA-based freelance writer who covers culture, politics, and mental health through a Black feminist lens. When she isn’t writing or checking Twitter, she’s probably watching the latest K-drama or giving a concert performance in her car.
