Prince Harry Trial Hears Claims of Partying With Journalist
Fresh testimony in Prince Harry’s High Court case against the publisher of the Mail on Sunday has heard claims that the Duke of Sussex socialised with a journalist from the newspaper and later sent her a Facebook friend request. The evidence was aired as the trial continues into allegations of unlawful information gathering, claims that Associated Newspapers has strongly denied.
In a witness statement, The Sun reported that Ms Charlotte Griffiths said Prince Harry sent her a Facebook friend request in 2011 and gave her his telephone number.
Ms Griffiths, who was a diary reporter at the time, also said they attended the same gathering at mutual friend Mr Arthur Landon’s flat in June the following year, describing how she was told Prince Harry was at the property and would let her in if she arrived first. Prince Harry, 41, is among seven high-profile claimants bringing the case, which centres on claims journalists hired private investigators to obtain information.
Associated Newspapers is contesting the allegations and has argued the claimants had “leaky” social circles. The current proceedings follow other legal developments involving the Duke, including when his hacking claims were dismissed in court in a separate decision.
The trial is expected to continue with further evidence about how information was gathered and shared, and the court will ultimately decide whether unlawful methods were used and, if so, whether damages are owed.
