British government representatives told the court that Prince Harry should not receive police protection simply because of wealth. The discussion was covered by the New York Post in its reporting on the matter.
Prince Harry has pressed on with a legal challenge against the British authorities, arguing for the right to bring British police officers to protect his family during travel within the United Kingdom. A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex indicated that Harry seeks permission to appeal the government’s ruling, which has effectively prevented him from arranging private security by funding police services directly for protection while abroad in Britain.
The government asserted that it did not violate any law when it refused the offer to hire officers for private protection. Officials emphasized that the statute gives police leadership the authority to provide security for public events and essential duties, but not to treat security as a fee-based service for wealthy individuals outside of formal state arrangements.
Government representatives countered by clarifying that reimbursing police for security at large public events, such as marathons, major football matches, and certain high-profile occasions, does not equate to turning law enforcement into personal bodyguards for affluent individuals. They stressed that this practice does not establish a model of private protection that could undermine public safety or the integrity of policing. In this view, security at these events serves the public interest rather than catering to private wealth.
The Sussex family lost the benefit of state-funded protection when they relocated to California several years ago, a shift that altered their security arrangements while traveling in Europe and beyond. The change has been described as part of a broader realignment of how the family handles protection in different jurisdictions, balancing public duties with private security considerations as circumstances evolve.
News coverage surrounding Meghan Markle highlighted her appearance at a gala in New York, noting a gold dress worn for a formal occasion. While such fashion reporting captures public interest in the couple’s appearances, it sits alongside broader discussions of security policy and the responsibilities that come with international travel by high-profile individuals. The coverage reflects the ongoing tension between public accountability and private security needs as the couple navigates life across multiple continents. [citation: UK government records and public statements on policing and security policy]