LONDON – In a significant legal development, Prince Harry, along with six other high-profile figures including Elton John, has been ordered to pay an initial sum of 9.5 million pounds (around $13 million) to the publisher of Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper. This ruling follows their unsuccessful attempt to sue for invasion of privacy.
The judgment was issued by Justice Matthew Nicklin, who stated that the payment is due by August 28. This amount was at the higher end of what was anticipated, marking a notable outcome in this ongoing legal saga.
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Last month, the claimants lost their case in a High Court in London, where they accused Associated Newspapers of malpractice, including illegal phone hacking. The publisher countered, stating that they had accrued over 34 million pounds in legal costs during the proceedings. The claimants will need to reimburse the remaining costs later, with insurance covering about half of the total expenses.
During the 11-week trial, which concluded on July 7, the publisher firmly denied any wrongdoing. Justice Nicklin noted a lack of evidence supporting the claimants’ allegations and suggested that some of the information claimed to have been obtained unlawfully might have come from legitimate sources.
Other notable figures involved in this case included Doreen Lawrence, a prominent anti-racism activist, and actors Sadie Frost and Liz Hurley. The case highlights ongoing concerns about celebrity privacy and media ethics in the UK.
This ruling comes shortly after it was announced that Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, are set to return to the U.K. The couple, who stepped back from royal duties and moved to California over six years ago, will relocate to a private residence outside London later this month.
Harry’s legal battle against Associated Newspapers marks the conclusion of several lawsuits aimed at addressing unlawful practices by tabloid publishers. Previously, he secured a judgment in 2023 against the Daily Mirror for widespread phone hacking, and last year, The Sun publicly apologized for its intrusive behavior and agreed to pay damages.
Harry has expressed that his decision to pursue legal action was a significant departure from royal family traditions, contributing to tensions with his father, King Charles III, and brother, Prince William. His ongoing disputes with the media stem from a deep-seated belief that the press has invaded his privacy and contributed to personal tragedies, including the death of his mother, Princess Diana, who died in a car crash in 1997 while being chased by paparazzi.
