LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry returned to court on Monday for the final chapter of his legal battle against the British tabloids, with millions of dollars at stake.
The Duke of Sussex is leading a group of high-profile plaintiffs, including Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley, in a case accusing the publisher of the Daily Mail of invading their privacy through unlawful tactics.
Associated Newspapers Ltd. is accused of using private investigators to gather information on the plaintiffs, including bugging their cars and eavesdropping on phone calls.
The publisher has denied the allegations, calling them preposterous.
The trial in London’s High Court is expected to last nine weeks, with Harry taking the witness stand for the second time since 2023.
The prince vs. the publishers
The case is part of the phone hacking scandal that rocked the media industry for over a decade.
In 2023, Harry won a court judgment against the Daily Mirror for widespread phone hacking.
Last year, the Daily Mirror issued an unprecedented apology to Harry and paid substantial damages to settle his privacy invasion lawsuit.
Harry’s fight against the media is personal, stemming from the death of his mother, Princess Diana, and attacks on his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
Repairing rift in the royal family
Harry’s relationship with his family has been strained, especially after his move to the US and his memoir “Spare.”
Relations with his father, King Charles III, seem to be improving after a recent meeting for tea.
However, a reunion during the trial is unlikely as Charles is in Scotland.
Wins and losses before trial
The case against the Daily Mail has seen several contentious hearings, with both sides claiming victories.
Despite attempts to dismiss the case, Judge Matthew Nicklin ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, allowing the trial to proceed.
Harry’s lawyers were granted permission to use documents related to payments made by the Daily Mail to private investigators.
Private eye with conflicting claims
A private investigator supporting the claims of Harry and other celebrities has denied ever spying on them.
The conflicting statements from the investigator may impact the case’s outcome.
The trial also involves anti-racism activist Doreen Lawrence and former politician Simon Hughes as claimants.
