Prince Harry has lost his legal battle for taxpayer-funded armed police protection when in the UK, leaving him potentially liable for £1.5 million in costs.
The Duke of Sussex had claimed he was "singled out" for "unjustified, inferior treatment" since leaving royal duties five years ago.
His barrister argued that the removal of Met Police armed bodyguards had left the royal's life "at stake".
The California-based royal had fought the dismissal of his High Court claim against the Home Office.
Prince Harry has lost his legal battle for taxpayer-funded armed police protection when in the UK, leaving him potentially liable for £1.5 million in costs.
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The case centred on a decision by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) that Harry should receive a different degree of protection when visiting the country.
Today the Court of Appeal ruled against the Duke, with Sir Geoffrey Vos, Master of the Rolls, dismissing his appeal.
The Home Secretary is now calling for the duke to pay all costs for both sides, with the bill approaching £1.5 million.
The King and his youngest son are believed to have differing views over Harry's decision to pursue this legal fight.
The Duke of Sussex had claimed he was "singled out" for "unjustified, inferior treatment" since leaving royal duties five years ago.
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In his ruling, Sir Geoffrey Vos acknowledged the Duke's position, stating: "These were powerful and moving arguments and that it was plain the Duke of Sussex felt badly treated by the system."
However, he concluded: "Having studied the detail, I could not say that the Duke's sense of grievance translated into a legal argument to challenge RAVEC's decision."
The Master of the Rolls was definitive in his judgment, adding: "My conclusion was that the Duke of Sussex's appeal would be dismissed."
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The Duke now faces a decision on whether to continue his fight by appealing to the Supreme Court.
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The ruling means that for now, armed police bodyguards, paid for by the British taxpayer, will not be automatically reinstated for Harry, Meghan and their two children when in the UK.
The Duke now faces a decision on whether to continue his fight by appealing to the Supreme Court.
Such a move would likely increase the already substantial costs associated with the case.
The legal battle has been ongoing since Harry's departure from royal duties, commonly referred to as "Megxit", five years ago.
