Prince Harry has alleged that a major British newspaper publisher deliberately targeted him after he challenged its reporting practices, according to arguments presented by his lawyer during a high-profile trial in London. The case marks another significant chapter in the Duke of Sussex’s long-running legal battle against the UK tabloid press and raises renewed questions about privacy, press ethics, and unlawful newsgathering.
The lawsuit, currently being heard in the High Court of Justice in London, was brought by Prince Harry along with several other prominent figures, including Elton John, actress Elizabeth Hurley, filmmaker Sadie Frost, campaigner Doreen Lawrence, and former UK lawmaker Simon Hughes.
The group is suing Associated Newspapers Limited, the publisher of the
Daily Mail,
Mail on Sunday, and
MailOnline, alleging a long-running pattern of unlawful information gathering that spans more than two decades.
Allegations of Unlawful Information Gathering
The claimants allege that journalists working for Associated Newspapers engaged in illegal methods to obtain private information, including phone hacking, voicemail interception, use of private investigators, and deceptive techniques known as “blagging.” According to court filings, the alleged misconduct dates back to the early 1990s and continued for years while the publisher publicly denied such practices.
During opening arguments, Harry’s lawyer David Sherborne told the court that Prince Harry was of particular interest to tabloid editors because stories about his private life were highly profitable. Sherborne argued that once Harry began pushing back against the media, he was subjected to intensified scrutiny and coverage that went beyond legitimate journalism.
The court heard that articles frequently contained deeply personal details about Harry’s movements, relationships, and communications information the claimants argue could not have been obtained through lawful means alone.
Impact on Prince Harry
According to his legal team, the sustained media attention had a profound emotional and psychological impact on Prince Harry. Sherborne told the court that Harry developed feelings of paranoia and distress as a result of years of invasive reporting, particularly during periods involving romantic relationships and personal loss.
The lawyer argued that the alleged targeting was not accidental, but rather the result of Harry’s refusal to accept tabloid intrusion as the cost of public life. “Standing up to powerful media organizations came at a price,” Sherborne said, characterizing the coverage as part of a broader pattern of retaliation.
The case builds on Prince Harry’s broader campaign against the British tabloid press, which he has repeatedly accused of
unethical behavior and contributing to harm within his family.
Publisher Denies All Claims
Associated Newspapers has strongly denied all allegations. Its legal team, led by Antony White, told the court that the claims are based on speculation rather than evidence. The publisher maintains that its journalists relied on lawful sources, including public relations representatives, social contacts, and information provided by individuals close to the claimants.
The defense argues that there is no proof of phone hacking or other illegal activity and says it will present testimony from journalists and editors explaining how more than 50 disputed articles were sourced legitimately.
Associated Newspapers has also emphasized that it has consistently rejected unlawful newsgathering practices and says the lawsuit is an attempt to relitigate issues already addressed during earlier phone-hacking scandals involving other media groups.
A Landmark Media Law Case
The trial is expected to last up to nine weeks and is being closely watched by media organizations, privacy advocates, and legal professionals. If successful, the case could have far-reaching implications for how historical claims against publishers are handled and may influence
future litigation involving press conduct and privacy rights.
Prince Harry is expected to give evidence later in the proceedings, potentially becoming one of the most senior members of the British royal family to testify in open court about media practices. His appearance is likely to draw significant public and legal attention.
The lawsuit underscores ongoing tensions between press freedom and personal privacy in the digital age, particularly as courts continue to examine the limits of lawful journalism. For Prince Harry and the other claimants, the case represents not only a legal dispute but also a broader effort to hold powerful media organizations accountable for past conduct.
As proceedings continue, the outcome could reshape the legal landscape for UK media law and set important
precedents for future claims involving alleged press misconduct.
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