The late Queen Elizabeth II considered it “imperative” that her grandson, Prince Harry, and his wife kept “effective security” after retiring as working royals.
A secret letter stated that the late Queen Elizabeth II felt it “imperative” that her grandson, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan Markle, maintain “effective” protection after standing down as senior working royals, court documents show.
The late Queen’s most senior assistant told a Home Office committee that Queen Elizabeth and her family considered keeping the Sussexes secure to be of “paramount importance”.
Sir Edward Young wrote to Sir Mark Sedwill, the then Cabinet Secretary, after the famous ‘Sandringham Summit’ to clarify what had been decided.
According to the Telegraph, the letter appeared in court filings last December and revealed Sir Edward, who wrote on behalf of the Palace, arguing for Harry’s continuing “effective security” after leaving the Royal Family.
The letter thus contradicts the narrative that the Duke and Duchess were cut off by the Royal Family, and it was presented to the High Court as evidence to determine whether and when the Duke offered to pay for his security.
Sir Edward wrote: “During their time in the UK, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex expect to attend public-facing engagements representing the charities and causes which remain dear to them.
“These engagements would no longer be formally undertaken on behalf of Her Majesty but, given the profile of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, we would expect they would still attract public attention.”
On the duke’s security, the late Queen’s most senior aide wrote: “You will understand well that ensuring that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain safe is of paramount importance to Her Majesty and her family.
“Given the Duke’s public profile by being born into the Royal family, his military service, the Duchess’s independent profile, and the well-documented history of targeting of the Sussex family by extremists, it is imperative that the family continues to be provided with effective security.
“And, of course, the family is mindful of tragic incidents of the past.”
Prince Harry originally filed a lawsuit against the Home Office in 2020 over a decision to provide him with a different level of taxpayer-funded protection after he and wife Meghan retired from their roles as working royals.
In February, the High Court concluded the decision was legal and dismissed Harry’s complaint, but in April, it denied him permission to appeal that decision.
However, in application to a direct plea from Harry’s lawyers, the Court of Appeal has agreed to consider his challenge. The decision to reduce his security in February 2020 was made by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), which has transferred authority from the Home Office to providing security measures for members of the Royal Family.
Harry’s case against the government is one of several legal challenges the prince has filed in court.
