Why is Prince Harry in court against the Daily Mail publisher?

Prince Harry is suing the publisher for alleged privacy violations and unlawful information gathering between the early 1990s and early 2010s.

What methods are alleged in Prince Harry's privacy case?

The allegations include hacking voicemail messages, bugging landlines, and obtaining private information through deception or "blagging."

What is Associated Newspapers' defense in Prince Harry's lawsuit?

The publisher denies the claims, calling them "preposterous smears" and stating their journalists had legitimate sources, including friends and public statements.

Home / Crime and Justice / Harry Takes Witness Stand in Privacy Fight

Harry Takes Witness Stand in Privacy Fight

21 Jan

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Summary

Prince Harry gives evidence in privacy lawsuit against Mail publisher.
Claimants allege unlawful information gathering including voicemail hacking.
Publisher denies allegations, citing legitimate sources and public statements.

Harry Takes Witness Stand in Privacy Fight

Prince Harry is expected to take the witness stand at the High Court in London on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, to testify in his privacy lawsuit against Associated Newspapers. This marks his second appearance in court for such a case in three years.

He, along with six other claimants including Sir Elton John, accuses the publisher of violating their privacy between the early 1990s and early 2010s. Their legal team alleges a pattern of unlawful information gathering, such as voicemail hacking and "blagging" private details. Associated Newspapers has denied these allegations, describing them as "preposterous smears" and maintaining that their journalists used legitimate sources, including individuals within the celebrities' social circles.

This trial is part of Prince Harry's ongoing legal efforts against British tabloids. He previously gave evidence in a successful lawsuit against Mirror Group Newspapers and settled another case with Rupert Murdoch's British newspaper arm. The nine-week trial is expected to hear testimony from all claimants.