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Prince Harry took the witness stand today in what has become one of the most closely watched legal battles involving the British press in recent years. During an emotional two-hour testimony at London’s High Court, the Duke of Sussex described the profound toll that years of media intrusion have taken on both himself and his wife, Meghan. The trial, which officially began today, is expected to last around nine weeks and could stretch into late March or early April, making it one of the lengthiest cases of its kind.
Throughout his appearance in court, Harry was visibly shaken. At one point, his voice faltered as he explained how taking legal action against the press has only intensified the harassment. He described the experience as deeply painful, saying that even now, by standing up to powerful media organizations, he feels they continue to target him relentlessly. Most distressing, he said, is what his wife has endured. According to Harry, Meghan’s life was turned into “absolute misery” as a result of sustained press behavior that he believes crossed every ethical and legal boundary.
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The case centers on allegations against Associated Newspapers Limited, the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday. Harry is one of several claimants who argue that the publisher engaged in unlawful practices, including phone hacking, the use of private investigators, deceptive information gathering, and serious invasions of privacy. During his testimony, Harry made it clear that he is not seeking attention or revenge, but rather accountability. He emphasized that it is fundamentally wrong for powerful media companies to repeat harmful behavior without consequences and insisted that an apology and meaningful responsibility are long overdue.
In a particularly tense exchange during cross-examination, Harry rejected claims that journalists had obtained information through legitimate social contacts. He firmly stated that he has never been friends with the journalists involved, nor part of any informal social circle with them. When it was suggested that a former royal editor had connections within his personal network, Harry questioned why private investigators—some previously linked to illegal information gathering—were used at all if the sources were supposedly so close and trustworthy. His response was sharp and direct, underscoring his belief that the methods used were neither innocent nor lawful.
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The prince’s legal team is focusing on 14 specific articles, which they argue relied on illegally obtained private information. Harry maintained that he had attempted, at various points, to engage civilly with reporters but ultimately felt he had no choice other than to pursue legal action. In a written statement submitted to the court, he warned that if one of the most influential newspaper groups in the country can evade justice, it would set a dangerous precedent. He described the lawsuit as a public duty, stating that when individuals face a massive and intimidating media institution, the courts become their only avenue for protection.
Harry also spoke about the lasting psychological effects of media intrusion, drawing parallels to past trauma. He described the experience as a painful repetition of earlier events in his life, saying that being forced to relive these moments while being told he has no right to privacy is deeply disturbing. He recalled how anyone who dated him was subjected to intense harassment and how he constantly expected to be followed whenever he traveled, whether by car or plane. According to Harry, these fears weren’t imagined—they were grounded in years of experience and legitimate security concerns.
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Another point of contention involved claims that Harry had exchanged friendly messages with a journalist under a pseudonym. He firmly denied ever using the alleged alias and said he had no recollection of sending messages through social media platforms as suggested. Throughout the questioning, he remained composed and prepared, responding quickly and confidently to challenges from the defense.
Observers noted that despite the emotional weight of the testimony and the trauma it stirred, Harry did not appear hesitant, confused, or intimidated. On the contrary, he seemed resolute and focused, demonstrating that he had prepared extensively for the cross-examination. While the subject matter clearly affected him—particularly when discussing Meghan’s suffering—he maintained clarity and conviction in his answers.
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The proceedings are widely regarded as landmark litigation, not only because of Harry’s involvement but also due to the broader implications for press accountability in the UK. Cameras are not permitted inside British courtrooms, but photographs of Harry leaving the courthouse showed intense media attention, reinforcing the very issues at the heart of the case.
Harry is expected to return to court to continue testifying, and more claimants will take the stand in the coming weeks. This trial marks a significant escalation after previous disputes were settled out of court. This time, the claimants are pressing forward, determined to see the case through to a verdict. If successful, the outcome could result in substantial financial penalties and damages, as well as a major reckoning for the tabloid press.
For Harry, however, the case is about more than money. It is about protecting his family, confronting long-standing media practices, and ensuring that what he describes as years of abuse and intrusion are finally acknowledged. His emotional testimony made one thing clear: this fight is deeply personal, and he is determined to see it through.
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