The legal battle between Prince Harry and the publishers of The Daily Mail, Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), continues as the High Court in London heard arguments on Wednesday regarding the Duke of Sussex’s legal claim against the company. ANL has called for the case to be “rejected in entirety”, arguing that the claims of Prince Harry and several other high-profile individuals, including Sir Elton John and Liz Hurley, “have no real prospects of succeeding” and were brought too late.
Prince Harry filed the legal claim last year, accusing ANL of using illegal gathering methods to target him and other high-profile names. The case has been ongoing, with both sides presenting arguments in court.
ANL’s lawyers argued that the case should be dismissed or judged in their favor without a trial, stating that the claims made by Prince Harry and others were unfounded and brought far too late. The lawyers also dismissed allegations that the company misled or concealed evidence from the Leveson Inquiry, calling for the claims to be dismissed at an early stage to avoid wasting the court’s resources.
Prince Harry’s legal team, on the other hand, criticized ANL’s latest bid, describing it as “hopeless” and “suggestive of a tactical gamble to avoid a full trial”. They heavily resisted ANL’s move to have the case dismissed.
The ongoing legal battle highlights the tensions between the media and the royal family. It also raises questions about the use of informal gathering methods by journalists and the extent to which they can legally be used to obtain information about public figures.
The case has attracted significant media attention, with many closely following the proceedings. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for the media industry and the future of journalism.
The case is yet to be concluded, and it remains to be seen what the court’s decision will be. However, the ongoing legal battle highlights the need for greater clarity on the use of informal gathering methods and the legal rights of public figures in such situations.
