Prince Harry delivered a powerful and emotional testimony during a landmark court appearance at the Royal Courts of Justice in London today, revealing intimate details about how media intrusion has profoundly affected both his life and that of his wife, Meghan Markle. The Duke of Sussex appeared alongside several other high-profile figures, including Sir Elton John, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, and actress Sadie Frost, as they pursue legal action against Associated Newspapers Limited, publishers of the Daily Mail.
Prince Harry's Emotional Courtroom Appearance
The Duke of Sussex became visibly emotional multiple times during his testimony, recounting what he described as "trauma" resulting from private details of his and Meghan's lives being made public. His appearance marked a significant moment in the ongoing legal battle against media organisations accused of unlawful information gathering practices.
'I'm Not Mr Mischief': Harry Denies Alleged Social Media Profile
During cross-examination by Antony White KC representing Associated Newspapers, the court heard claims that Prince Harry had used a Facebook profile named "Mr Mischief" to contact Mail on Sunday journalist Charlotte Griffiths. The barrister suggested the Duke had exchanged friendly messages with the journalist using this profile and shared his mobile number via social media.
Prince Harry firmly denied these allegations, stating he had "never" used the name "Mr Mischief" and had "no idea" whether he had exchanged messages with Ms Griffiths on Facebook. This exchange highlighted the contentious nature of the proceedings and the Duke's determination to challenge media narratives about his interactions with journalists.
'My Social Circles Were Not Leaky'
Further questioning saw Mr White suggest that Prince Harry had known his social circle was "leaky," implying information was regularly shared with the media. The Duke responded emphatically: "My social circles were not leaky, I want to make that absolutely clear." He added that if he had become suspicious of anyone in his social circle, he would have had to cut contact with that person entirely.
Prince 'Always Expected' to Be Followed
In written evidence submitted to the court, Prince Harry revealed the constant surveillance he experienced as a working royal. He claimed that people who dated him had experienced "full blown harassment" and that he understood he was "under 24-hour surveillance" while travelling.
"Whenever I got on a plane, or in a car, I always expected I was being followed. I was under 24-hour surveillance," Harry stated in his evidence. "Because of my position as a member of the Royal Family, both my security team and I always had security concerns even before I had arrived at a location because of how often the press knew about our every movement, sometimes hiding at a location before we even got there."
He particularly emphasised the increased security risks when travelling abroad where police assistance couldn't always be relied upon.
The Moment Prince Harry's 'Bubble Burst'
In his written submission, the Duke described how his understanding of media practices changed dramatically after stepping down as a working senior royal in 2020 and moving to North America. Referring to claims against News Group Newspapers, publishers of The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World, Harry stated: "It was only really within the past few years that I found out that other individuals within or associated with the Institution, such as my friend Marko, had brought phone hacking claims against NGN."
He added: "It is not an exaggeration to say that the bubble burst in terms of what I knew in 2020 when I moved out of the United Kingdom." This revelation suggests a significant shift in his awareness of the extent of alleged media malpractice.
'They Have Made My Wife's Life an Absolute Misery'
The most emotional moment came as Prince Harry concluded his evidence, appearing on the verge of tears as he mentioned his wife, the Duchess of Sussex. With his voice faltering, he told the court: "They continue to come after me, they have made my wife's life an absolute misery, my Lord."
This statement powerfully encapsulated the human cost of media intrusion that the Duke described throughout his testimony, bringing into sharp focus the personal impact on both him and Meghan Markle.
Landmark Legal Proceedings
The case represents a significant moment in the ongoing relationship between the Royal Family and the British media. Prince Harry's appearance alongside other high-profile claimants suggests a coordinated effort to challenge media practices through the legal system. The emotional nature of his testimony, combined with the specific allegations made, indicates the deeply personal stakes involved for all parties.
As the case continues to unfold at the Royal Courts of Justice, observers will be watching closely to see how these revelations influence both public perception and the legal outcome of this landmark media litigation.
