Prince Harry became emotional as he expressed his dismay over the distress caused to his wife Meghan by the Daily Mail, while testifying at London’s High Court in his privacy lawsuit against the publisher of the newspaper. The Duke of Sussex, along with six other plaintiffs including Elton John, is taking legal action against Associated Newspapers for intruding on their privacy over several decades. Associated Newspapers has dismissed the allegations as baseless, asserting that their journalists had legitimate sources for their information, including contacts within the celebrities’ social circles.
In a significant move, Prince Harry became the first royal in 130 years to testify in court in 2023, as part of his ongoing battles with the media. He strongly defended his stance against the publisher’s actions, emphasizing the emotional toll it has taken on him and his wife. Harry expressed his frustration at having to endure the legal proceedings, stressing that their primary request was for an apology and accountability, rather than being subjected to continuous attacks.
Refuting claims that the journalists had close ties to his social circle, Prince Harry clarified that he had no personal relationships with them. His legal team highlighted 14 articles that were allegedly produced through illicit means such as phone hacking and deceptive practices. Despite acknowledging some level of interaction with reporters due to his public role, Harry criticized the exploitation of his private life for commercial gain.
During the court session, Prince Harry confronted the publisher’s lawyer, questioning the use of private investigators despite claims of having reliable sources within his circle. He emphasized the necessity of maintaining a professional relationship with the media while lamenting the negative impact of their intrusive reporting on his personal life.