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Prince Harry has revealed he feels “exhausted” by the prolonged legal fight to have his UK police protection reinstated.
In comments to The Daily Telegraph, Harry expressed the emotional toll the three-year battle has taken on him, saying he felt "overwhelmed" by the process. He also suggested that his security was removed in an attempt to pressure him back into royal life in Britain.
Following a two-day hearing at the Court of Appeal in London this week, Harry said the decision to strip him of official protection was “difficult to swallow,” noting that among all his legal disputes—including those involving British tabloids—this case has been the most important to him.
Harry, who now lives in California, reportedly fears for his family’s safety when visiting the UK. Much of the appeal and earlier court proceedings were held behind closed doors due to sensitive national security concerns. “People would be shocked by what’s being withheld,” he said, adding that the legal disclosures confirmed his “worst fears.”
Although he wasn't required to give evidence, Harry traveled to London for what is seen as his final chance to challenge the decision. He had previously lost the case in February 2024, when Mr Justice Lane ruled that the Home Office’s decision was lawful and not unfair.
According to reports, Harry views the withdrawal of his and Meghan’s security as a strategic move to make life in the UK as private citizens more difficult, thereby nudging them back into the royal fold.
He also believes King Charles could have intervened in the matter, pointing to Sir Clive Alderton—Charles’s private secretary—who serves on the Royal and VIP Executive Committee. However, Buckingham Palace has stated it holds no authority over government security decisions, and a source noted that Alderton was not on the committee when the original decision was made five years ago.
A palace official commented: “These are matters of national security and government policy, and as such, it would be inappropriate to comment or intervene.”
Reports suggest Harry remains estranged from both his father and brother. Although he briefly reunited with the King in February following Charles's cancer diagnosis, they have not met again since.
A ruling from the panel of three appeal judges is expected after Easter.
