Prince Harry refused permission to apply for judicial review

In a judgment issued by Mr Justice Chamberlain today, the Duke of Sussex has been refused permission to judicially review a decision of the “Executive Committee for Protection of Royalty and Public figures” (commonly referred to as RAVEC). The claim concerned whether it is permissible for an individual to fund their own protective security by way of a Special Police Service under the Police Act 1996.

The Metropolitan Police Service argued that it was wrong to place officers in harm’s way based upon an individual’s ability to pay for police protection and that there were legal obstacles to such an arrangement being entered into.

In his judgment Mr Justice Chamberlain stated that there was no legal error in the decision made by RAVEC and that its decision was not arguably unreasonable.

Matthew Butt KC appeared for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.

You can read more about the case here.

23rd May 2023