Since 2019, Prince Harry has been embroiled in legal battles against British tabloids, accusing them of phone hacking and privacy breaches. His lawsuit against News Group Newspaper (NGN) centres on alleged illicit activities between 1996 and 2011, including phone hacking and other invasions of privacy. He previously also sued Daily Mail’s parent company for privacy breach.
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NGN has consistently denied these allegations, however, an undeterred Harry seeks ‘truth and accountability,’ reports Legal World. The Duke—whose recent Christmas photo sparked controversy—aims to expose unethical journalistic practices by the company.
Prince Harry’s return to the UK for the lawsuit
Harry is now understood to return to the UK for his ongoing legal battle. The case will see Harry cross-examined in the witness box for up to four days, as his claims about 30 controversial articles come under scrutiny, reports Press Gazette.
Harry alleges that journalists at The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World engaged in unlawful activities to gather private information from 1996 to 2011. The 30 articles, according to Harry, obtained information through illegally hacking phones and private investigators. NGN, on the other hand, argues that Harry’s claims have been filed too late, insisting that no unlawful activities occurred at The Sun.
This trial will last for approximately eight weeks and Harry could face an ‘extensive’ four days of questioning in the witness box, reports The Guardian. Harry will be questioned on whether or not his claims should be dismissed as they were brought in too late and added:
That is going to require an extensive cross-examination of the duke on actual and constructed knowledge. If we said anything less than up to four days, we would be at risk of running out of time.
Harry’s lawyer, David Sherborne, has criticised NGN’s approach as overly drawn-out, arguing that the extensive questioning is unnecessary. Previously, Harry was questioned for a day and a half in his claim against Mirror Group Newspapers in 2023.
Will Meghan Markle join him?
As Prince Harry prepares for his UK return, speculation arises about whether Meghan Markle will join him. While there is no official confirmation, reports suggest that Meghan may not accompany Harry during this trip.
Meghan has not visited the UK since September 2022, citing safety concerns for herself and their children, Archie and Lilibet. Additionally, ongoing tensions with the Royal Family and negative public opinion in the UK may deter her from making the trip, reports The Express.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams noted:
There are several reasons why Meghan will not come to the UK at the moment.
It is perfectly obvious why, just look at the opinion polls. Of course, there is a rift with the Royal Family, there is no reason for her to come.
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Sources used:
Legal World: Prince Harry faces four days in witness box in Murdoch papers trial
Press Gazette: Prince Harry could face ‘extensive’ questioning in trial of claim against Sun publisher
The Guardian: Prince Harry trying to turn Sun publisher trial into ‘public inquiry’, high court told
The Express: Prince Harry will make solo return to UK without Meghan Markle in weeks
