Prince Harry might “reconsider” the decision to become a US citizen after the latest legal defeat, an expert has claimed.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, lost a High Court challenge this week against the Home Office over a decision to change the level of his personal security when he visits the UK.
The duke is to appeal against the latest ruling, with his lawyers saying he “hopes he will obtain justice”. The security of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was withdrawn upon their transition from active roles within the Royal Family and relocation to the US in 2020.
Following the decision made by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) in February 2020, the Prince initiated legal proceedings.
He contested the decision that he would no longer receive equivalent publicly-funded protection while in the country.
However, in a recent judgement, retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane dismissed the duke’s argument, asserting that Ravec’s decision-making process was neither unreasonable nor procedurally unjust.
A legal expert explained how the decision is likely to impact Prince Harry’s future course of action.
Paul Britton, of Britton and Time solicitors, told Express.co.uk: “After Prince Harry brought a challenge by way of judicial review (one of England’s most serious and technical legal challenges) against the decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) to reduce his level of protection in the UK, Mr Justice Lane has given his judgement today.
“Mr Justice Lane soundly rejected Prince Harry’s challenge, concluding that there was no unlawfulness by Ravec in reaching its decision.
“The decision was not irrational or marred by procedural unfairness, adding a scathing criticism of Prince Harry’s lawyers that they had taken “an inappropriate, formalist interpretation of the Ravec process”.
“This decision has been eagerly anticipated by the legal community and the judgement was conclusive – the decision made by Ravec will not be changed and Prince Harry’s security protection in the UK will not be increased. How this affects Prince Harry’s next steps is yet to be seen.
“Many anticipate that, without what he feels is adequate security in place to protect him and his family on their return to the UK, he will soon reconsider the decision to become a US citizen.”
Mr Britton added: “The complication in all of this is his current US visa application which is currently subject to its own legal battle.
“This latest defeat for Prince Harry is no doubt crushing given the circumstances.”
Last month, the Duke revealed he has considered becoming an American citizen. Speaking at the site of next year’s Invictus Games in Whistler, Canada, the Duke of Sussex was asked about his life in the United States and whether he could apply to become a citizen.
He said on ABC’s “Good Morning America”: “I have considered it, yeah.”
When asked what might stop him applying, he said: “I have no idea. It’s a thought that has crossed my mind but it’s not a high priority for me right now.”
