The Duke and Duchess of Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍 are believed to be keeping a low profile after their loss at the UK High Court against the Home Office in their bitter security battle

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are believed to be taking time out of the public eye and spending time in their Montecito home after the Duke suffered a defeat in his case against the UK Home Office.

The couple have not been spotted together or out at public events for their Archewell Foundation since the ruling was revealed yesterday, as a UK judge filed against Prince Harry and instead in favour of the UK Home Office. Harry shared a video message for the WellChild Awards nominations ahead of their 2024 ceremony, but Meghan has not been spotted or spoken publicly.

Harry had been trying to overturn a ruling which saw his security status downgraded after he stopped being a “working royal”, as he cited concerns over his safety and that of his wife and two young children.

The court battle, which looks set to continue if the Duke launches an appeal, will reportedly cost around £1million. Last year it was revealed that the couple spends a hefty amount – reportedly around $2million (£1.58million) a year – on security for themselves and their young children in the US.

Yesterday (Wednesday 28 February) Harry officially lost the High Court battle, as retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane gave the official ruling on the case that has been ongoing since 2020.

Following High Court ruling, details of Harry’s case have been made public – including his fears for his family when he visits Britain. Much of the legal proceedings surrounding the case, which covered security arrangements for senior figures, were held in private in December, with the ruling issued by retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane on Wednesday morning.

In the ruling, retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane rejected the Duke’s case and concluded Ravec’s approach was not irrational nor procedurally unfair. Sir Peter said Harry’s lawyers had taken “an inappropriate, formalist interpretation of the Ravec process”. The Duke’s lawyers said he was “singled out” and treated “less favourably” by the body.

In December, when the challenge was made, Home Office lawyers told the High Court that Harry would still have publicly-funded police security, but these would be “bespoke arrangements, specifically tailored to him”, rather than the automatic security provided for full-time working royals. Hours after the announcement, the Duke revealed he plans to appeal the decision.