Prince Harry says he was 'treated less favourably than others' over UK security
Prince Harry has been "treated less favourably than others" over his security arrangements when he is in the UK, a court has been told.
PA
Prince Harry has been "treated less favourably than others" over his security arrangements when he is in the UK, a court has been told.
The Duke of Sussex has launched legal action against the Home Office and a three-day hearing is taking place at the High Court from today until Thursday.
Today, Harry's lawyers said the Home Office "failed to treat (Harry) as it treated others" after he announced he was stepping down as senior working member of the Royal Family.
The decision that Harry would no longer receive the "same degree" of protection was made by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec).
The Duke of Sussex has launched legal action against the Home Office and a three-day hearing is taking place at the High Court from today until Thursday.
PA
Shaheed Fatima KC, representing Prince Harry, said in a written submission: "Ravec should have considered the 'impact' that a successful attack on the claimant would have, bearing in mind his status, background and profile within the Royal Family - which he was born into and which he will have for the rest of his life - and his ongoing charity work and service to the public.
"Ravec should have considered, in particular, the impact on the UK's reputation of a successful attack on the claimant."
Sir James Eadie KC, representing the Home Office, said in written submissions: "In summary, Ravec considers the threat that an individual faces, which is assessed by reference to the capability and intent of hostile actors, the vulnerability of that individual to such an attack, and the impact that such an attack would have on the interests of the state."
Sir James continues: "As a result of the fact that he would no longer be a working member of the royal family, and would be living abroad for the majority of the time, his position had materially changed.
"In those circumstances, protective security would not be provided on the same basis as before.
"However, he would, in particular and specific circumstances, be provided protective security when in Great Britain."
Prince Harry's High Court showdown with the Home Office will be mostly held behind closed doors due to privacy concerns.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
The Duke of Sussex's claim is being heard before judge Mr Justice Lane after the royal won the chance to appeal the Home Office's decision.
PA
The Duke of Sussex's claim is being heard before judge Mr Justice Lane after the royal won the chance to appeal the Home Office's decision.
A privacy order has been issued over a concern that the vast majority of evidence cannot enter the public domain.
The judge said: "The material that needs to be protected in the interests of justice is very tightly entangled with less sensitive details required for the court to properly determine the claim."
He added: "This means that the bulk of the hearing must be in private."