Prince Harry feels targeted for ‘standing up’ to Daily Mail publisher, court hears
The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, has told the high court that he feels targeted for having “the temerity to stand up” to the Daily Mail’s publisher. Lawyers for Prince Harry presented 14 articles they allege were based on unlawful information-gathering by Associated Newspapers Ltd, the company which publishes the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday. The trial has seen Harry scheduled to give evidence this week as he and six other claimants challenge the publisher’s denials of unlawful activity.
According to coverage by The Guardian, Harry’s barrister, Mr. David Sherborne, argued that sensitive information such as flight details and personal data with serious security implications for the duke had been obtained unlawfully by the publisher. Sherborne described the impact on Harry, including distress and paranoia, and highlighted the sustained campaign of attacks endured by Harry for standing up to Associated Newspapers.
Several articles in question, primarily published between 2001 and 2013, featured bylines of Daily Mail royal correspondents Katie Nicholl and Rebecca English. One article disclosed Harry’s godfather role to the child of his former nanny, details allegedly unknown even to King Charles. Other stories revealed intimate details about Harry’s private life and relationships, including specific location preferences and exact flight details of his former girlfriend Chelsy Davy.
Associated Newspapers denies unlawful methods, stating stories were legally sourced from the duke’s social circle, press officers, and prior reports. Their legal defence presented that the duke’s social circle was a known source for media leaks. Antony White, leading the publisher’s defence, also pointed to multiple journalists ready to testify and questioned the strength of claims connecting private investigator payments to unlawful activity.
This court case is significant as it highlights ongoing concerns over media practices and privacy, particularly the balance between public interest and personal security for public figures. Prince Harry’s case continues to unfold as he prepares to give evidence, underscoring broader debates on press accountability in the UK.
