Prince Harry has touched down in London for the final act of his years-long legal war against the publisher of the Daily Mail, setting the stage for a nine-week trial that could reshape British tabloid practices.
The Duke of Sussex, 41, arrived at the Royal Courts of Justice on Monday, Jan. 19, after flying in from Montecito, California. He is slated to be the first witness when he takes the stand on Thursday, Jan. 22.
At a Glance
- Prince Harry is suing Associated Newspapers over alleged illegal information gathering.
- Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley and Sadie Frost are co-claimants in the landmark case.
- The trial starts as reports suggest Harry’s U.K. state-funded security may soon be restored.
- Why it matters: The outcome could determine whether Harry’s children can safely visit Britain and sets a precedent for holding powerful media groups accountable.
Inside the Lawsuit
Harry is one of several high-profile figures accusing Associated Newspapers of unlawful practices, including phone hacking. The media group, which publishes the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday and Mail Online, has “vigorously denied” the claims, according to the BBC.
“This is the culmination of what has been years of litigation,” a source tells News Of Los Angeles. The Duke has previously taken on the publishers of The Sun and Mirror newspapers, and now he is closing this chapter with Associated Newspapers.
“He sees this as an injustice that needs to be righted,” the source adds. “People often don’t have the means to stand up to the might of the British tabloid media. But he is a fortunate man in that he is a man of means and has the ability to do this, and he has the will and strength of character to take them on. He sees it in the sense that if he doesn’t do it, who will?”
Harry’s spokesperson tells News Of Los Angeles that the Duke is “feeling confident and ready” as proceedings begin.
Security Breakthrough?
The court appearance coincides with fresh reports that Harry’s taxpayer-funded security could be restored. The couple lost this protection after stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and relocating to California.
On Jan. 3, The Mail on Sunday reported that a new government review concluded Harry meets the criteria for reinstatement. The paper claimed the ruling was “expected to be announced within weeks.”
Restored security would ease Harry’s long-standing concern about bringing Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, to the U.K. His lawyers have argued he “does not feel safe” without the deep level of intelligence that accompanies official protection.
Harry lost a high-profile court battle over the issue in February 2024 and saw an appeal dismissed in May 2025. Insiders previously told News Of Los Angeles there had been “positive” signals from the government, fueling cautious optimism.
Family Tensions
While Harry is in London, a reunion with King Charles appears unlikely. The monarch is spending time in Scotland following the holidays and has public engagements there this week.
Father and son last met in September 2025, when Harry had tea at Clarence House during a charity-focused U.K. visit. That encounter ended an 18-month gap in face-to-face contact amid the public rift that began when Harry and Meghan Markle stepped away from royal life.
Key Takeaways
- The trial could set a legal precedent for privacy rights against tabloid intrusion.
- A favorable security ruling might finally allow Archie and Lilibet to visit their father’s homeland.
- Harry’s legal crusade underscores his broader campaign to reform British media practices.
