The Duke of Sussex and other household names lost their claim against Associated Newspapers (ANL) over allegations of unlawful information gathering, with the group's editor-in-chief Paul Dacre stating the case "should never have been brought to trial."
Case Dismissed by Judge Nicklin
In a decision on Tuesday, Judge Mr Justice Nicklin dismissed all claims from the group of seven, which included Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Sir Elton John, David Furnish, Liz Hurley, Sadie Frost, and Sir Simon Hughes. The allegations involved voicemail interception, landline tapping, and obtaining information by deception, known as "blagging," carried out by private investigators, freelance journalists, and ANL staff. ANL strongly denied the claims and argued they were brought too late.
The judge ruled that none of the claimants had proven the allegations, stating in the 436-page ruling: "Whilst the standard of proof remains the balance of probabilities, the more serious, and inherently less probable, the allegation, the more cogent the evidence required to prove it." He added that "suspicion is not enough" and that claimants could not simply infer unlawful sourcing because information was private and ANL could not explain how it was sourced.
Dacre's Response
Following the judgment, Dacre described it as "a momentous victory for the Mail" and "an overwhelming vindication of our journalism." He noted that Neville Lawrence, father of Stephen Lawrence, "says he owes the Mail everything," and expressed puzzlement over Baroness Lawrence's decision to sue the paper that campaigned for justice for her son.
Dacre said the action "has cost well over £50 million and wasted a huge amount of valuable court time" and "raises profoundly disturbing questions about the conduct of elements of the legal profession." Referring to Prince Harry, he remarked there was not "a laundry in the cosmos big enough to wash all the dirty linen he has aired about his own family," and felt "sorry for the way a confused and angry young man has been drawn into this case." He also described the legal action as a "conspiracy" to destroy the paper, "financed by the orgy-loving, racist Max Mosley."
Harry's Evidence and Timing Issues
During his cross-examination in January, Harry said he could not complain about some of the 14 articles at the time "because of the institution I was in." The judge accepted that Harry "wished the court to understand the personal impact of the matters in issue" but said this did not affect the quality of his evidence.
ANL's defence included a "compelling account of a pattern of legitimate sourcing of articles," including friends, social circles, press officers, and other media. The trial also addressed whether claims were brought within the six-year limit; Judge Nicklin ruled that even if unlawful gathering was proven, Sir Simon and Ms Frost's claims were too late.
A further hearing is expected from July 29. Harry returned to the UK on Monday evening for appearances in London and Birmingham, including marking the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games. His spokesman said it was "disappointing" that an offer from the King to stay at Buckingham Palace was "withdrawn at the last moment," citing the looming judgment.
