Piers Morgan issued a scathing response after Prince Harry lost his landmark legal battle against the publisher of the Daily Mail. The High Court ruled on Wednesday that Associated Newspapers had not unlawfully gathered information about the Duke and six other high-profile claimants, including allegations of voicemail hacking.
Morgan's Two-Word Attack
Taking to X, Morgan wrote: "So happy for the Mail that they took on this entitled brat and won. Took real balls. Congrats Paul Dacre, Ted Verity, Peter Wright, and especially Lord Rothermere for throwing the very expensive kitchen sink at defending themselves from this loathsome hypocrite." The former Good Morning Britain host has long been critical of the Sussexes, particularly after Meghan Markle's Oprah Winfrey interview in 2021, when he publicly doubted her claims about mental health and suicidal thoughts.
£50 Million Legal Battle
Following the verdict, Paul Dacre, editor-in-chief of Associated Newspapers, revealed the company spent over £50 million fighting the case. He stated: "The truth is that this trumped-up action – which has cost well over £50 million and wasted a huge amount of valuable court time – should never have been brought to trial. That it did, raises profoundly disturbing questions about the conduct of elements of the legal profession. Today’s verdict is not just a victory for Associated’s magnificent journalists – several of whom have had a terrible toll imposed on their health and lives – but a free press generally."
Claimants Respond
Prince Harry and fellow claimant Baroness Doreen Lawrence, mother of Stephen Lawrence, condemned the judgment as a "complete and obvious whitewash." Their joint statement added: "We came to court seeking justice and accountability. But we have received neither." The Duke later appeared half a mile from King Charles III, though no meeting was reported.
Morgan's History with the Sussexes
Morgan's criticism of the royal couple escalated after Meghan's interview with Oprah, leading to 41,000 complaints to Ofcom and a formal complaint to ITV. He resigned from Good Morning Britain, claiming his refusal to apologize cost him his job. The latest court defeat marks a significant blow for Prince Harry, who has pursued multiple legal actions against the British press.
