Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have put their UK house hunt on hold until their security issues have been resolved with the Home Office, Express.co.uk has learned.
The Duke of Sussex was given the go-ahead to appeal against a High Court ruling in June, which dismissed his challenge over a decision to downgrade his level of personal security when he and his family visit the UK.
“Harry really does want to spend more time in the UK but doesn’t feel comfortable doing that until the security issues have been ironed out,” said the source.
“He and Meghan planned on looking for a part-time home near Windsor this year and hoped that the appeals process would be heard before the end of July so that they could properly start their search.
“However, the court process seems to be taking its time.”
Prince Harry first took legal action against the Home Office in 2020 over a decision that he should receive a different degree of taxpayer-funded protection after he and his wife Meghan stepped back as working royals.
In February, the High Court ruled that the decision was lawful and dismissed Harry’s case, before in April refusing him permission to challenge that ruling in a higher court.
However, the Court of Appeal said in June that it would hear his challenge over his police protection following a direct application from Harry’s lawyers.
Prince Harry then requested to speed up his appeal in hopes of having it heard by the end of July. However, a Court of Appeal judge denied him permission to “jump the queue,” declining any special treatment for the Duke of Sussex.
“The time it’s taking is rather unfortunate,” said the source.
“There were plans in motion to spend more time in the UK this year but seeing as there is still a big question mark over security, they [the Sussexes] don’t feel confident in bringing the children over with them.”
The Duke of Sussex’s High Court case against the Home Office over his security is one of many high-profile legal battles he has launched. Harry is also reportedly facing a seven-figure bill for all of his legal challenges in recent years.
The Sussexes’ spokesperson has been approached for comment.