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Prince Harry has found himself in hot water with a judge after being accused of deliberately destroying important communications related to an ongoing legal battle. The Duke of Sussex is currently embroiled in a privacy lawsuit against British tabloid newspapers News Group Newspapers (NGN) and Associated Newspapers, the publishers of The Sun and Daily Mail.
However, recent revelations have cast doubt on Harry's cooperation with the case. According to court filings, all digital communications between Harry and J.R. Moehringer, the ghostwriter who helped write Harry's memoirs, have been destroyed. This includes text messages, emails, drafts of Harry's book, and any other documents that may be relevant to the litigation. Judge Timothy Fancourt expressed concern over the complete lack of records, saying the timing and circumstances around their destruction were "troubling."
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Harry's lawyer responded by claiming their client had gone "above and beyond" in searching for and providing documents. However, NGN's attorney Anthony Hudson argued Harry had deliberately made the disclosure process difficult. "We've had to drag those out of the claimant kicking and screaming," Hudson told the court. As a result, NGN was awarded $167,000 in legal costs for pursuing additional documentation Harry was reluctant to provide.
The judge ordered Harry to personally submit a witness statement explaining what happened to the communications with Moehringer. However, Harry did not attend the hearing, and his lawyer claimed the two had not exchanged texts or messages regarding the alleged unlawful information gathering by the tabloids. Fancourt noted this directly contradicted reports that Moehringer said he and Harry had been in near-constant text contact while writing the memoir.
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It remains unclear exactly what was contained in the missing correspondence and drafts. However, it's almost certain they discussed in detail Harry's criticisms of the British press and allegations of phone hacking and surveillance - the very issues at the center of the ongoing privacy case. Many see Harry's actions as deliberately destroying potential evidence important to NGN's defense.
It's not the first time questions have arisen around Harry's diligence in providing information to the court. Fancourt previously tossed out allegations Harry tried to add against Rupert Murdoch, concluding key executives were deliberately concealing and destroying evidence of unlawful activity. The judge cited Harry's delay in filing the lawsuit initially, saying he had waited too long and should have been aware of potential illegal newsgathering practices years earlier.
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Harry has sought tens of millions in damages from NGN and other publications. However, his case continues to suffer setbacks that raise credibility issues. Destroying all records of his communications with his key ghostwriter, especially while actively engaged in litigation against the press, understandably upset the judge overseeing the case. It gives ammunition to critics who argue Harry wants to publicly bash the tabloids while avoiding true scrutiny of his own claims and actions.
The legal battles have dragged on for years and show no signs of slowing. A trial is currently scheduled for January, but pre-trial disputes over disclosure risks further delays. In the meantime, new evidence could continue to emerge that contradicts Harry's narrative or sheds more doubt on his willingness to be fully transparent. His popularity as a privacy crusader may also take a hit from perceptions that he is not acting entirely above board when it comes to litigation that is supposed to be held to the highest ethical standards.
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The saga is just the latest chapter in Harry’s deeply conflicted relationship with the press since stepping back from royal duties. He has every right to fight perceived wrongs against him in court. However, deliberately destroying evidence raises far more questions than it answers. And for a Duke who trades on authenticity and credibility, losing the trust of the public and judiciary threatens the legitimacy of his entire anti-tabloid platform. In the court of public opinion, perceptions may prove just as important as any potential legal victory. Only continued cooperation and transparency can help rebuild what is now severely damaged by allegations of deceit.
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