King Charles‘ relationship with Prince Harry has been strained for many years now. And while his bombshell memoir Spare has undoubtedly played a huge part in it, so has his youngest son’s lawsuits in relation to his private security being taken away after he and Meghan Markle stepped down as senior royals in 2020.
Royal expert Kate Mansey candidly told The Times in a new interview that Prince Harry’s ongoing legal battles over his private security have further strained their relationship. Keep reading for more information.
Prince Harry's Private Security Lawsuits
If you recall, in February 2024, Prince Harry lost a High Court challenge which sought to overturn the Home Office's decision in 2020 to downgrade his security. The court ruled that these decisions, which were made by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec,) were lawful and reasonable, especially due to the fact that Prince Harry chose to step down as a working royal and relocate to the U.S.
Two months later, the High Court refused Harry's attempt to challenge the decision, as he attempted to seek upgraded security when he was visiting home in the U.K. "The reality of the matter is that the claimant considers he should receive a different approach to his protection whilst in the UK than Ravec [the committee in charge of deciding security for royals] decided he should, based in part on his comparison of his own position with that of others," the ruling read. "Ravec, as an expert body, concluded otherwise. It was entitled to do so."
However, in June 2024, it was reported that the Court of Appeal would allow Prince Harry to challenge the High Court's decision after all, following a direct application from his lawyers.
Prince Harry's Security Lawsuit Reportedly Plays A Huge Part In His Strained Relationship With King Charles
Mansey explained that Prince Harry taking legal action against the government has played a huge part in his relationship with his father. "Harry's decision to sue the King's government in the King's courts is the sticking point, I am told," she told The Times.
"Harry is challenging a decision by Ravec, the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, which decides what security is provided for the royal family and other VIPs," Mansey continued.
She added: "The royal household is represented on the committee and would have had a seat at the table when the decision was made to remove Harry's automatic right to police protection in Britain."
King Charles is therefore in "a tricky position because Harry has been granted leave to appeal." Mansey went on to say that "until the case is concluded, there is little Charles feels he can say to his son."
Mansey also mentioned that King Charles isn't happy that Prince Harry chose to go down this legal action route in the first place, as he doesn't like the idea of the public knowing so much about their lives. Mansey explained: "The King has always emphasized duty and discretion, and Harry's decision to air grievances in court contradicts those values."
She went on to suggest that the lawsuit was seen as "unnecessary" and "a direct challenge to the traditions the monarchy stands for."
