Princess Diana's Protection Officer Urges Prince Harry To Stop Legal Fight Over Security After Recent Loss
Princess Diana's former protection officer reacted after Prince Harry lost his recent bid for security in the United Kingdom.
Inspector Ken Wharfe, the personal protection officer for the late Princess of Wales at home and abroad and author of "Guarding Diana - Protecting The Princess Around the World," believes it is time for Prince Harry to take no for an answer concerning his security in his home country because he has no chance of winning the case.
"He made a big mistake going to court with this case as he was never going to win," Wharfe said, per The Sun. "Scotland Yard and the Government said they would go the whole nine yards for him, and that should have been enough. He is actually on quite a good deal."
In his petition, Prince Harry claimed he was at greater risk than his late mom, Princess Diana, due to "additional layers of racism and extremism." Meghan Markle's husband also demanded the name of the person behind the downgrade of his security, which started after he quit his royal duties in 2020.
"I would like that person's name who is willing to take accountability for this choice, please," Prince Harry said.
However, the former bodyguard doesn't think pursuing the case will make a difference after the court threw out the "Spare" author's $1.3 million case. For Wharfe, it's not wise because he would still receive security whenever he is in England, although it wouldn't be the taxpayer-funded 24-hour protection.
"Harry was unwise to make this case," Wharfe said, doubling down on his initial opinion. "He will always get protection when he comes over here as he is still a Prince of the realm. I don't see why he has pursued this case. He was never going to win."
He added that King Charles' youngest son was aware of the available protection, and should he bring along his family, wife Markle, and kids Archie and Lilibet, the protection would be "more than sufficient."
Rafe Heydel-Mankoo, historian and broadcaster, and Candice Holdsworth, writer and broadcaster, previously commented on Prince Harry's legal battle for security and said it made no sense. He alleged that Prince Harry only wanted 24-hour security due to his "inflated impression" of himself.
"This is all complete nonsense, actually, because he is getting protection," Heydel-Mankoo said. "If he comes to attend royal events, he will receive royal protection. They have bespoke protection plans for him, depending upon his needs. But he has such an inflated impression of what he needs and his importance."
Prince Harry reportedly faced a $1.3 million legal bill due to the case.
The High Court ruled that the "evidence shows no irrationality or other unlawfulness" in the decision to downgrade Prince Harry's security. The judge concluded that the "bespoke" arrangement was "legally sound."
A Home Office spokesperson said they were "pleased" with the outcome, noting that they were "carefully considering our next steps."
Prince Harry's bid to pay privately for his police protection was also rejected in a separate ruling.
However, Prince Harry plans to appeal the ruling.
"The Duke is not asking for preferential treatment but for a fair and lawful application of Ravec's own rules. He hopes he will obtain justice from the Court of Appeal," Prince Harry's legal spokesman said.