Prince Harry, Elton John ordered to pay millions in failed lawsuit

Britain’s Prince Harry and other prominent figures, including singer Elton John, face a substantial financial penalty after a judge found their failed privacy lawsuits against the Daily Mail’s publisher were conducted unreasonably. Judge Matthew Nicklin ordered the claimants to pay an interim sum of £9.54 million towards Associated Newspapers' legal costs by August 28.

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In my judgment, the cumulative effect ​of these matters takes the case well outside the norm. The conduct was unreasonable to a high degree.

In a significant blow, Nicklin also ruled that the additional costs should be paid on an “indemnity basis.” This means the publisher does not need to prove the costs were reasonable and proportionate, potentially increasing the final bill for the claimants. This decision comes after the judge comprehensively rejected the case last month, dismissing allegations of widespread unlawful activities by the Mail titles, such as phone hacking.

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another overwhelming ‌victory for the Mail and its journalism

Nicklin was critical of how the claimants presented their case, noting that serious allegations were based on “speculative and inferential” foundations. He stated that the cumulative effect of these issues took the case “well outside the norm” and that the conduct was “unreasonable to a high degree.” A spokesperson for Associated Newspapers hailed the ruling as “another overwhelming victory for the Mail and its journalism.”

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a complete and obvious whitewash

The judgment adds to Prince Harry's ongoing legal battles with the media. He previously won a case against the publisher of the Daily Mirror and settled a claim with Rupert Murdoch's British newspaper arm. The claimants' insurance policy covered £16 million of Associated's reported £34.5 million legal bill, indicating a significant shortfall.

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the Daily Mail had made Meghan’s life “an absolute misery”