Prince Harry loses High Court battle with Daily Mail publisher

Prince Harry has suffered a major legal setback in his protracted fight against British tabloids, losing his case against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), the publisher of the Daily Mail. The High Court in London dismissed all claims brought by the Duke of Sussex and six other prominent individuals, including Sir Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley, who alleged unlawful information gathering by ANL.

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suspicion, even if it amounts to a reasonable suspicion, is not proof.

In a 436-page judgment, Justice Matthew Nicklin ruled that the claimants failed to prove their "serious allegations" of illegal news gathering. The case, which spanned several years and involved 97 individual accusations related to 57 articles published between 1997 and 2015, alleged that journalists employed tactics such as phone hacking, bugging, and accessing bank accounts.

However, the judge emphasized that the burden of proof lay with the claimants, stating that "suspicion, even if it amounts to a reasonable suspicion, is not proof." He found that credible evidence was not presented for many of the most serious accusations. This decision represents a comprehensive victory for ANL, which had consistently described the claims as "absurd" and "grotesque."

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magnificent vindication of the Daily Mail’s journalism and a resounding victory for press freedom generally.

ANL reacted with jubilation, calling the ruling a "magnificent vindication" of their journalism and a "resounding victory for press freedom." Former editor Paul Dacre characterized the lawsuit as a "conspiracy" and a "politically motivated campaign to silence the free press," funded by opponents of media freedom. The ruling brings a definitive end to this high-profile legal battle, marking a significant defeat for Prince Harry's personal crusade against the British tabloid press.

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conspiracy and a politically motivated campaign to silence the free press