Prince Harry's security legal battle cost UK taxpayers £300K as Duke suffered defeat in court

The royal was challenging the Home Office over his security arrangements when visiting the UK.

The Duke of Sussex was fighting to secure a judicial review over a decision that he should not be allowed to pay privately for his protective security has ended in defeat.

Harry will now be unable to bring a second High Court challenge against the Home Office.

According to figures obtained by a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, £199,978.52 of taxpayer money has gone towards the Government's legal department costs in this case.

An additional £93,268 has been spent on general counsel, £660 on court fees, £2,958 on email disclosure and £16.55 for a courier, according to The Sun.

The Home Office opposed the idea of allowing wealthy people to buy security from the police.

This ruling followed a one-day High Court hearing in London last week.

A government spokesperson said: "We welcome the judgment upholding the integrity of the protective security system.

"The UK Government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security.

"It would not be appropriate to comment further on the legal proceedings."

Prince Harry is pursuing multiple separate civil cases through the courts in London.

The Duke of Sussex lives in California with his wife Meghan Markle and their children Archie and Lilibet.

Prince Harry stayed at his UK base Frogmore Cottage for reportedly the final time during King Charles's Coronation this month.

The King had previously requested that Harry and Meghan vacate the royal residence by the conclusion of the historic event.