Prince Harry has been told "he had no right" to a fresh risk analysis in today's High Court verdict, of which he is appealing.
The Duke of Sussex was fighting a 2020 decision by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), that he was not entitled to automatic police protection when he returned to the UK, despite it being available for working royals.
Today, judge Sir Peter Lane rejected Prince Harry's challenge.
He concluded that there was no unlawfulness by Ravec in reaching its decision.
Prince Harry loses High Court battle
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Sir Peter found that the decision was not marred by procedural unfairness.
He added that Harry’s lawyers had taken “an inappropriate, formalist interpretation of the Ravec process”.
Sir Peter also rejected the duke's claim that he was entitled to a full risk analysis by the Risk Management Board (RMB).
He said: “The claimant had no right to require Ravec to initiate a fresh RMB process in the light of his changed situation.
Prince Harry wanted automatic police protection when he returned to the UK
Getty“In determining what fairness demands in this context, it is important to understand that undergoing an RMB assessment is not a right or even a benefit.
“It is, as Sir James Eadie KC (for the Home Office) submits, an analytical tool.”
The Home Office had previously stated Prince Harry's security would be decided on a case-by-case basis.
During the December hearing, the Home Office lawyers told the High Court that Harry could still receive police-funded security, but these would be "bespoke arrangements, specifically tailored to him", rather than "automatic".
Prince Harry was told he was not entitled to a fresh risk analysis
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Prince Harry has since announced he will be appealing the High Court's decision.
The duke's legal spokesperson said: "The Duke of Sussex will appeal today’s judgment which refuses his judicial review claim against the decision-making body Ravec, which includes the Home Office, the Royal Household and the Met Police."
They added: “The Duke is not asking for preferential treatment, but for a fair and lawful application of Ravec’s own rules, ensuring that he receives the same consideration as others in accordance with Ravec’s own written policy."
Prince Harry will be adding no further comment at this time, according to his spokesperson.
