Prince Harry alleges Daily Mail publisher surveilled him and made Meghan's life 'an absolute misery'
Prince Harry testified in London alleging Associated Newspapers unlawfully surveilled him, made Meghan's life miserable, and used intrusive methods to obtain stories; publisher denies claims.
Overview
Prince Harry testified at London's High Court, describing two decades of intrusive reporting that left him 'paranoid beyond belief' and said press attacks drove his family's suffering.
He accused Associated Newspapers Ltd of unlawful information gathering—bugging, private investigators, blagging and eavesdropping—to secure stories about him and those close to him.
Associated Newspapers denies wrongdoing, calling allegations preposterous, saying journalists obtained material legitimately from contacts, press officers, publicists, freelance sources and prior reports.
Harry testified he and six other claimants, including Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley, are seeking accountability in a nine‑week trial that may influence UK press practices.
Under cross-examination, defense argued many stories used legitimate sources at events; Harry denied friendships with reporters and said his social circles were not 'leaky'.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Harry sympathetically, emphasizing emotional testimony, intrusion and racialized press coverage while acknowledging denials. Editorial choices—emotive verbs (e.g., “choking up,” “combative”), repeated context about Diana and Meghan, and prominent placement of Harry’s moral argument—collectively shape a narrative of victimhood and public‑interest reform despite presenting defense rebuttals.
Sources (10)
FAQ
Prince Harry accused Associated Newspapers of bugging, hiring private investigators, blagging, and eavesdropping to unlawfully gather information for stories about him and his associates.
The other claimants include Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley, along with four additional prominent figures.
Associated Newspapers denies the claims as preposterous, stating that the articles were obtained legitimately from contacts, press officers, publicists, freelance sources, and prior reports.
The trial is expected to last nine weeks, with a written verdict potentially coming months later.
No, this is his second time; he previously testified in 2023 against the Daily Mirror publisher, becoming the first senior royal to testify in court in over a century.
History
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