At a Glance
- Prince Harry took the witness stand on Jan. 22, 2026 to support fellow claimant Elizabeth Hurley in a lawsuit against Associated Newspapers.
- Hurley, 60, explained that 15 articles published between 2002 and 2011 were “in essence true” and she had not complained.
- The case accuses the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday of using unlawful methods to gather information, with other claimants including Elton John and Jude Law’s ex-wife Sadie Frost.
Why it matters: The lawsuit is part of Harry’s third legal battle against British tabloids, following a settlement with The Sun and a case against Mirror Group Newspapers.
Prince Harry’s appearance in London’s High Court on Jan. 22, 2026 marked a pivotal moment in his ongoing fight against media intrusion. The Duke of Sussex, 41, sat beside actress Elizabeth Hurley, 60, as they faced questions from Associated Newspapers’ lawyer Antony White.
The court session began shortly after 10:30 a.m. local time. Hurley was asked to swear on oath on a Bible to tell “the whole truth,” a solemn gesture that underscored the seriousness of the proceedings.
During questioning, Hurley was asked why she had not complained at the time the 15 articles were published. She replied that “they were in essence true,” adding that “people were listening to me speak.”
Halfway through her testimony, Hurley became tearful after being shown a series of articles about her relationship with the late Steve Bing, the father of her son Damian. She paused, saying she would never say anything publicly that “she didn’t want my son to read.”
Harry had already spent nearly two hours in the witness box the day before, on Jan. 21. He closed his testimony on an emotional note, describing the newspapers’ continued targeting of him and Meghan Markle as “an absolute misery.”
“I am standing here because it has continued to come after me,” Harry said, his voice breaking. “It’s fundamentally wrong to put all of us through all of this again.”
He called for an apology and accountability, describing the experience as “horrible.” The Duke’s remarks highlighted the toll the litigation had taken on his personal life.
After the hearing, Harry left the court building looking cheerier, smiling and briefly acknowledging well-wishers and photographers with a small wave.
The lawsuit includes other claimants such as Elton John, his husband David Furnish, and Sadie Frost, Jude Law’s ex-wife. Together they accuse Associated Newspapers of employing unlawful methods to gather information.
| Case | Publication | Date | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mirror Group Newspapers | MGN | 2023 | Damages awarded to Harry |
| The Sun | The Sun | 2024 | Eight-figure damages and unprecedented apology |
| Associated Newspapers | Daily Mail & Mail on Sunday | Jan. 22, 2026 | Ongoing trial |
Harry’s legal strategy has evolved over the years. After a surprise settlement with The Sun, which paid an eight-figure sum in damages and issued an apology, he continued to pursue accountability from other tabloids.
The current case follows a long-running dispute with Mirror Group Newspapers, where he was awarded damages and the publishers paid around $500,000 for his legal fees.
Public reaction to Harry’s testimony has been mixed. Some supporters applaud his willingness to confront the media, while others criticize the continued focus on personal matters.
Key Takeaways
- Prince Harry’s testimony on Jan. 22, 2026 underscores his commitment to challenging tabloid practices.
- Elizabeth Hurley’s emotional breakdown highlights the personal impact of the alleged unlawful reporting.
- The lawsuit is part of a broader legal battle that includes settlements with The Sun and Mirror Group Newspapers.
- The case remains ongoing, with the court set to continue hearing evidence from the other claimants.
- Harry’s call for an apology and accountability reflects his frustration with the persistent media scrutiny.
