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Prince Harry has arrived at London’s High Court for the opening of a high-profile privacy trial against the Daily Mail’s publisher. The Duke of Sussex, alongside six other prominent figures, alleges intrusive journalism, including phone hacking and “blagging” of personal information. The 10-week case is expected to shed light on longstanding questions about celebrity privacy and media ethics.
Prince Harry Leads Privacy Case Against Daily Mail
Flying in from California, Prince Harry entered the Royal Courts of Justice in a navy suit to take his place as the opening witness. He is joined by Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Sir Elton John, David Furnish, Elizabeth Hurley, Sadie Frost, and former Lib Dem leader Sir Simon Hughes.
Barrister David Sherborne delivered the opening statement for the claimants. “Prince Harry’s legal team face ‘exceptionally serious’ allegations of fraud, dishonesty and conspiracy,” he noted, highlighting the stakes involved.
The claims date back to 1997 and allege that journalists at the Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday breached privacy by hiring private investigators to hack voicemail, eavesdrop on calls, and obtain ex-directory numbers, medical records, and financial details.
These actions are linked to former private investigator Gavin Burrows, whose alleged “confessions” prompted the lawsuit. Burrows, however, contests the claim, stating that a witness statement attributed to him contains a forged signature.
High-Profile Celebrities Join Legal Showdown
The seven claimants are taking the lead in presenting evidence, supported by witnesses, including Jude Law, Sadie Frost’s ex-husband. Prince Harry is set to give evidence for a full day, while the others will spend roughly three weeks laying out their case.
Associated Newspapers strongly denies all wrongdoing, asserting a “trenchant defence of its journalism” and plans to call more than 40 witnesses, including journalists, to defend its practices.
The trial, estimated to cost £38 million, continues into mid-March, with Mr Justice Nicklin expected to deliver a ruling later this year. The court will examine whether press freedom excuses the alleged invasions of privacy or if high-profile figures like Prince Harry can successfully challenge unlawful media conduct.
