Prince Harry's Courtroom Testimony: Seven Key Moments from Mail Publisher Trial
The Duke of Sussex began giving evidence on Wednesday in the high-profile trial of his legal claim against the publisher of the Daily Mail. Harry, alongside Sir Elton John, David Furnish, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Sir Simon Hughes, Sadie Frost, and Liz Hurley, is bringing legal action against Associated Newspapers Limited over allegations of unlawful information gathering. The 41-year-old duke testified on the third day of proceedings, explaining his historical reluctance to complain about press coverage due to the "institution" he was part of.
Delayed Start and Protocol Questions
Proceedings experienced a brief delay due to technical issues with the remote video link audio system, which dozens of observers were using to follow the trial. Once resolved, barrister David Sherborne, representing the claimants, asked Harry how he preferred to be addressed, suggesting "Your Royal Highness" as an option. The duke's response prompted laughter in the packed courtroom when he stated "Same as last time" and then admitted "I can't remember" when asked to clarify. Mr Sherborne confirmed the address would be "Prince Harry".
The Royal Institution's Influence on Complaints
During cross-examination by Antony White KC for ANL, Harry explained why he hadn't complained about fourteen articles central to his claim. Mr White suggested the duke believed the information came from legitimate sources, but Harry countered that his position within the royal institution made complaints impossible. He elaborated that the sheer volume of articles about him – numbering in the thousands – made complaining impractical, as his experience showed that complaints often prompted newspapers to "double down" on their coverage. In his witness statement, Harry referenced the royal family's traditional "never complain, never explain" policy as shaping his approach.
Defending Social Circles from 'Leaky' Claims
Barristers for ANL had previously suggested in written submissions that the celebrities involved had "leaky" social circles as potential information sources. Harry firmly rejected this characterization regarding his own acquaintances, stating "My social circles were not leaky, I want to make that absolutely clear." He added that any suspicion about an individual would lead him to sever contact completely, demonstrating his protective approach toward personal relationships.
Forced Relationships with Journalists
Questioned about phone conversations with Daily Mail royal editor Rebecca English, Harry said he had no recollection of the calls but described journalists as people with whom "we were forced to work with, we had to have some kind of relationship with them." He elaborated that royal engagements sometimes required him to "perform" for reporters despite knowing about stories they had written commercializing his private life. Harry acknowledged occasional attempts to maintain civil relations through official channels, hoping such gestures might improve interactions, while emphasizing "I am not friends with any of these journalists, and never have been."
Describing Coverage as 'Beyond Cruel'
Harry expressed particular distress about a 2006 Daily Mail article concerning private discussions with his brother after a photo of their dying mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, appeared in Italian media. In written evidence, he called the article "really disgusting" and "beyond cruel," suggesting it represented an abuse of journalistic privilege. The duke speculated that such detailed private information likely came from intercepted communications or private investigators rather than official sources, raising concerns about what other information might have been gathered but never published.
Vigorous Defense of Friends
Throughout his testimony, Harry consistently defended friends against suggestions they might have leaked information. He described how his relationship with presenter Natalie Pinkham deteriorated due to media-induced distrust, leading to years without communication. In court, he became "a little bit upset" at implications she might have been a source, insisting she "is not a source and has never been a source." Similarly, when questioned about campfire conversations in Botswana where he discussed being in love with Chelsy Davy, Harry firmly denied that three friends present would have shared the information, stating "These three people have never shared anything with anybody."
Judicial Guidance on Testimony
Mr Justice Nicklin, the trial judge, intervened during sometimes frosty exchanges between Harry and Mr White to remind the duke that he didn't "have to bear the burden of arguing the case today." The judge advised that if Harry disputed statements from ANL's barrister, he could simply say "I don't accept that" or "I don't know about that" rather than feeling pressured to argue points. Mr Justice Nicklin acknowledged witnesses often feel compelled to make their case but emphasized "You don't have to do that, you just need to answer the questions." Harry responded that he wanted the judge to understand "what it is like living in this world," referencing what he described as "24-hour surveillance" by media.
