Prince Harry was subjected to a “sustained campaign of attacks” after challenging alleged intrusions into his private life by Britain’s powerful Daily Mail, his lawyer told the High Court on Tuesday, January 20.
The Duke of Sussex, alongside six other high-profile figures, is pursuing legal action against Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Daily Mail, over claims of unlawful information gathering. The claimants include musician Elton John, filmmaker David Furnish, actress Liz Hurley, Sadie Frost, Doreen Lawrence, and former MP Simon Hughes.
According to court filings, the group accuses Associated Newspapers of violating their privacy over a period spanning more than two decades, beginning in the early 1990s. The allegations include voicemail hacking, bugging of landlines, and obtaining confidential information through deceptive practices known as “blagging.”
Associated Newspapers has strongly denied the accusations, dismissing them as baseless smears. The publisher insists its journalists relied on lawful sources, including social circles, contacts, and press officers, and rejected claims that private investigators were used to obtain information illegally.
Harry’s lawyer, David Sherborne, told the court that the prince generated enormous interest for British tabloids, arguing that “no one sold more copies” than Harry. He said the media scrutiny was particularly intense in the years before Harry met his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
Sherborne highlighted 14 specific articles, which he said intruded deeply into Harry’s private life, focusing on his relationships, travel plans, and personal associations. Some reports included claims about being asked to serve as godfather to his former nanny’s child and details involving his former girlfriend, Chelsy Davy.
The lawyer said the coverage caused Harry significant “distress and paranoia,” adding that the prince believes he was punished for daring to challenge the publisher. “Is it any wonder,” Sherborne asked the court, “that he feels he endured a sustained campaign of attacks for having the temerity to stand up to Associated?”
