Prince Harry suffered 'substantial damage' to his 'reputation' following an article over his concerns for police protection, his lawyers have claimed.

The Duke of Sussex, 37, whose attendance at the Queen's Jubilee celebrations later this year have been called into question, is suing the Mail on Sunday after the newspaper allegedly made a 'misrepresentation of the facts' over his offer to fund his own police protection, according to a court filing, as seen by Newsweek.

Prince Harry, who lives in Montecito, California, with his wife Meghan Markle, 40, and children Archie, two, and Lilibet, nine months, stepped down as a senior member of the royal family two years ago which meant he was stripped of round-the-clock protection.

The Mail on Sunday article, which was published in February, alleged Harry tried to keep the legal fight over security secret.

Prince Harry's legal team have stated in the court filings that the Mail on Sunday's article made accusations that the sixth in line to the throne 'lied in his initial public statements'.

"As a result of [the Mail's] conduct pleaded above, [Prince Harry] has suffered increased upset and distress and injury to his feeling," the court filing added.

The Duke of Sussex released a statement by his legal representatives in January, which read: "The Duke first offered to pay personally for U.K. police protection for himself and his family in January of 2020 at Sandringham.

"That offer was dismissed. He remains willing to cover the cost of security, as not to impose on the British taxpayer."

The Duke of Sussex is seeking damages for libel against Associated Newspapers Limited, the Mail on Sunday's publisher, at the High Court in London as well as an injunction to ensure that the publication does not repeat the claims.

OK! has contacted DMG Media and representatives of Prince Harry for comment.

It comes as a former royal butler has explained that Prince Harry 'can't win' in the court of public opinion following the issues over security in the UK.

The Duke of Sussex, recently announced his decision to not return to the UK for his grandfather Prince Philip's thanksgiving service, set to take place later this month.

Although the decision risks disappointing the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family, former butler and royal expert Grant has explained the Prince is in a "catch-22" situation.

Prince Harry recently raised concerns about his safety during his trips to the UK and is challenging the Home Office over the security for his family in the UK. But, his request to pay for his own police protection was denied.

Instead, Harry would receive a security system that is "rigorous and proportionate" by the government, the details of which have not been disclosed.

Speaking exclusively to OK!, royal commentator Grant explained Harry is now at risk of coming under fire with whatever decision he makes.

Grant told OK!: "The problem is, the public will be like: 'Well if you love your grandfather, why are you not coming over for the Royal service?'

"It's a real catch-22 and I hate to say it but either way he's not going to win on it because he's going to be criticised if he does and criticised if he doesn't."

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