Prince Harry will not attend the first day of his trial against News Group Newspapers in London tomorrow, dismissing recent reports about security arrangements and accommodation offers.
The Duke of Sussex’s confirmed absence refutes claims that this week he was set to receive limited protection from the Metropolitan Police during his stay in the capital.
The report also claimed that Harry had turned down an offer to stay at Buckingham Palace.
It had been reported that the royal residence was offered as accommodation for the duke during the trial and that the Met Police were preparing security for Prince Harry.
Prince Harry will not attend the first day of his trial against News Group Newspapers in London tomorrow, dismissing recent reports about security arrangements and accommodation offers.
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According to the Mirror, an insider said Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley agreed to provide armed officers from the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command for the Duke’s visit.
The source claimed: “He is offering Harry limited police protection. The Met has been trying to recruit officers on their days off because they don’t have a lot of spare staff.”
Harry is scheduled to testify in court in February as part of the proceedings against NGN, which publishes The Sun newspaper.
The legal action centres on allegations of unlawful information gathering by journalists and private investigators working for NGN publications.
Harry is scheduled to testify in court in February as part of the proceedings against NGN, which publishes The Sun newspaper.
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Harry has accused the publisher of phone hacking and other privacy violations between 1996 and 2011.
The case involves both The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World, which allegedly targeted the Duke during this period.
NGN has denied any wrongdoing in relation to the claims.
Former Labour MP Tom Watson is also involved in the proceedings against the publisher.
The Duke of Sussex’s security arrangements are managed on a case-by-case basis and are now determined by the Metropolitan Police as operational decisions, assessed individually like other VIP visitors.
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The Duke no longer receives the same level of police protection automatically granted to the Royal Family following his decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to the United States.
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The High Court trial involving NGN is separate to Harry’s legal battle over his security arrangements in the UK.
The Duke no longer receives the same level of police protection automatically granted to the Royal Family following his decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to the United States.
Harry previously contested a 2020 decision by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, claiming he was singled out.
The High Court ruled in March that the decision was neither irrational nor unfair, with the Home Office welcoming the finding.
In June, Judge David Bean granted Harry permission to appeal the ruling, stating “not without hesitation” that his challenge had a real prospect of success.