Prince Harry stepped into the witness box Wednesday for his testimony against the publisher of the Daily Mail, marking the final phase of his legal battle with British tabloids.
The Duke of Sussex alleges that Associated Newspapers Ltd. engaged in a “clear, systematic and sustained use of unlawful information gathering” for two decades, alongside six other high-profile figures including Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley.
At a Glance
- Prince Harry gave evidence in his privacy case against Daily Mail publisher
- He described feeling “paranoid beyond belief” due to media intrusion
- Defense lawyer Antony White began cross-examination immediately
- Trial is expected to last nine weeks
- Why it matters: The case could reshape how British tabloids gather information
The Allegations
In his witness statement, Harry detailed the distress caused by the Mail and its sister Sunday newspaper. He described how the intrusion affected his early life, making him “paranoid beyond belief.”
The legal action centers on claims that Associated Newspapers Ltd.:
- Used unlawful information gathering methods
- Targeted multiple public figures over 20 years
- Systematically invaded privacy
Courtroom Details
Harry appeared wearing a dark suit and held a small Bible as he swore to tell “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” He requested to be addressed simply as Prince Harry rather than using his full royal title.
This marks his second time testifying in court. In 2023, he became the first senior royal in over a century to testify when he took the stand in a similar lawsuit against the publisher of the Daily Mirror.
Previous Victory
Harry’s previous legal action resulted in victory when he sued the publisher of the Daily Mirror for phone hacking. The court awarded him over 140,000 pounds in damages.
Defense Response
Associated Newspapers Ltd. has “vehemently denied” the current allegations. Defense lawyer Antony White began cross-examining Harry immediately after he swore his oath.
The company states that newspaper witnesses will “name names of sources” when they testify during the nine-week trial.
The Co-Claimants
Alongside Prince Harry, six other prominent figures have joined the legal action:
- Elton John – Musician
- Elizabeth Hurley – Actor
- Four other public figures
All claim they were victims of the newspaper’s alleged systematic privacy invasion through unlawful information gathering practices spanning two decades.
Historical Context
Harry’s decision to testify breaks with long-standing royal tradition. His previous testimony in 2023 made him the first senior royal to appear in court in over 100 years, defying typical House of Windsor protocol.
Trial Timeline
The current trial is scheduled to run for nine weeks, with multiple witnesses expected to testify from both sides. The proceedings will examine two decades of alleged misconduct by the newspaper group.
According to Jonathan P. Miller reporting, this case represents the culmination of Harry’s ongoing battle with British tabloid media, which he has accused of persistent privacy violations throughout his life.
The Duke of Sussex’s testimony continues as the court examines evidence of the alleged systematic privacy invasion campaign.
