The Court of Appeal has upheld the Duchess of Sussex's privacy claim against the Mail on Sunday for publishing parts of a private letter to her father, marking a significant legal victory. The ruling allows Meghan to avoid cross-examination and reinforces her stance on privacy, though it has not shifted public opinion in her favour.
In a statement, Meghan described the outcome as 'a victory not just for me, but for anyone who has ever felt scared to stand up for what is right,' criticising a media industry she says 'conditions people to be cruel.' The judgment focused strictly on privacy law, dismissing the newspaper's argument that the stories addressed issues of public interest.
Despite the win, YouGov polling shows Meghan's popularity has declined, with only 40% of UK respondents holding a positive view in autumn 2020. The court documents revealed strained relations within the royal family, with Prince Harry under 'significant pressure' over Thomas Markle's media interactions, and Meghan expressing concerns for her mother's safety.
The publisher, Associated Newspapers, is considering an appeal to the Supreme Court, arguing the judgment was made without proper cross-examination of evidence. The case has highlighted the couple's fraught relationship with the press, with emails showing Meghan's meticulous planning of her letter and Prince Harry's indignation over 'vile' attacks.
Public opinion remains divided, with supporters viewing the win as evidence of unfair treatment, while detractors see it as a narcissistic attempt to control her image. The ruling does not appear to have changed the public's view that Meghan should not return to royal duties.
