Prince Harry has firmly denied allegations that he operated under the pseudonym 'Mr Mischief' during a tense cross-examination at the Royal Courts of Justice. The Duke of Sussex is one of seven high-profile individuals, including Sir Elton John, bringing a legal action against Associated Newspapers Limited over claims of unlawful information gathering.
Courtroom Confrontation Over 'Mr Mischief' Claims
During proceedings, Antony White KC, representing ANL, suggested that Harry had used a Facebook profile named "Mr Mischief" to contact Mail on Sunday journalist Charlotte Griffiths. The barrister alleged that the duke exchanged friendly messages and his mobile number with Griffiths through this account.
Harry responded unequivocally, stating: "I have never used the name Mr Mischief" and expressed having "no idea" if he had communicated with Griffiths on Facebook. He further contested claims about meeting the journalist in Ibiza, asserting he had only visited the island with his wife, Meghan Markle.
Allegations of Press Harassment and Personal Impact
In his witness statement, Harry described feeling subjected to "full blown stalking and constant surveillance" by the media. He cited a 2005 article about his relationship with former girlfriend Chelsy Davy, which contained extraordinarily detailed private information that made him feel part of an "endless pursuit" and media obsession.
The duke claimed these press intrusions created a "massive strain" on his personal relationships and left Davy "terrified." He alleged that the newspapers' actions were designed to "drive me to drugs and drinking to sell more of their papers," leaving him "paranoid beyond belief."
Broader Legal Action and ANL's Defence
The lawsuit involves multiple claimants who allege ANL engaged in:
- Hacking voicemail messages
- Bugging landline telephones
- Obtaining private information through deception ("blagging")
Associated Newspapers Limited has denied all allegations of unlawful information gathering. The publisher maintains that the case has been brought too late and vigorously defends its journalists against the accusations.
Courtroom Dynamics and Historical Context
The cross-examination featured frosty exchanges between Harry and White KC, particularly when the barrister suggested the duke's social circles were "leaky." Harry countered: "My social circles were not leaky, I want to make that absolutely clear." He added that if he became suspicious of anyone, he would sever contact with that person.
Earlier in the hearing, a moment of levity occurred when David Sherborne, representing Harry, asked how he preferred to be addressed. After Harry replied "Same as last time" but couldn't remember what that was, laughter filled the courtroom before it was confirmed as "Prince Harry."
Harry's Longstanding Press Relations
In his witness statement, Harry reflected on his "uneasy relationship" with the press, tracing it back to his mother Princess Diana's treatment by media outlets before her death in 1997. He noted that as a royal family member, the institutional policy was to "never complain, never explain," a stance he has now dramatically departed from through this legal action.
The hearing continues as both sides present their evidence in what represents one of the most significant privacy cases involving British media and public figures in recent years.
