The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, delivered explosive testimony at the High Court in London today, alleging that years of unlawful information gathering by the publisher of the Daily Mail left him feeling "paranoid beyond belief" and caused a "massive strain" on his personal relationships.
Explosive Allegations in Privacy Trial
Harry arrived at the Royal Courts of Justice shortly after 10am on Tuesday, 19th January 2026, dressed in a dark suit for the first day of his high-profile legal battle. He is one of seven high-profile claimants, including Sir Elton John, David Furnish, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Sir Simon Hughes, Sadie Frost, and Liz Hurley, who are suing Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL).
The group alleges the publisher engaged in unlawful information gathering (UIG), including hiring private investigators, over many years. In a written witness statement, Harry described the "intrusion" as "terrifying" for his loved ones, saying it created distrust and suspicion, ultimately isolating him.
Specific Claims of Intrusion and Targeting
The Duke's specific claims focus on 14 articles published between 2001 and 2013. His barrister, David Sherborne, told the court the targeting had a "profoundly distressing effect" on Harry. One detailed allegation involves a private investigator named Mike Behr, who was allegedly commissioned by Mail journalists to obtain flight details and a seat number for Harry's then-girlfriend, Chelsy Davy, as she travelled to South Africa.
It is further claimed the investigator suggested journalists could "plant someone next to her". Other articles cited relate to Harry being chosen as godfather to his former nanny's child and details about his relationship with presenter Natalie Pinkham, which Harry says involved invasions of his privacy through UIG.
Firm Denials and a Leaky Circles Defence
Associated Newspapers Limited has "vehemently" denied all allegations, labelling them as "preposterous" in court. The publisher's defence argued that the celebrities involved have "leaky" social circles and that disclosures about Prince Harry's private life to the press were "a not uncommon occurrence".
The trial continues with Prince Harry expected to give live evidence in person on Thursday. In a lighter moment during the lunch adjournment, a member of Harry's team was seen carrying bags of food from the upmarket deli Ottolenghi into the court building.
The case, which is set to reveal further details about the relationship between the press and public figures, is being closely watched for its implications on privacy law and media standards in the UK.
