Prince Harry and Celebrities Accuse Daily Mail Publisher of Privacy Breaches in High-Profile Court Case
Published 20 January 2026
Highlights
- Prince Harry and six other claimants, including Sir Elton John, are suing Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) for alleged unlawful information gathering over two decades.
- ANL denies the allegations, arguing that the claimants are relying on "generic" evidence and that their journalists sourced stories legitimately.
- The case involves accusations of using private investigators and "blagging" to obtain sensitive information, impacting the claimants' privacy.
- Prince Harry claims he has faced a "sustained campaign" of attacks for challenging the publisher, contributing to his distress and paranoia.
- The trial, which began at the Royal Courts of Justice, is expected to last nine weeks, with Prince Harry potentially giving evidence earlier than anticipated.
In a high-stakes legal battle unfolding at the Royal Courts of Justice, Prince Harry, alongside six other prominent figures, has accused Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, of engaging in unlawful information gathering over a 20-year period. The claimants, which include Sir Elton John, Liz Hurley, and Baroness Doreen Lawrence, allege that ANL committed "grave breaches of privacy" through the use of private investigators and other illicit methods.
Allegations of Unlawful Information Gathering
The legal proceedings, which are expected to span nine weeks, center around accusations that ANL employed private investigators and engaged in "blagging" to obtain sensitive information about the claimants. David Sherborne, representing Prince Harry and the other claimants, highlighted 14 articles that allegedly bear the "hallmarks of unlawful information-gathering." These articles, published between 2001 and 2013, reportedly contained details that could not have been sourced legitimately.
ANL's Defense and Counterarguments
Antony White KC, defending ANL, argued that the claimants are "clutching at straws," relying on evidence that lacks analytical foundation. He emphasized that the journalists involved have provided compelling accounts of legitimate sourcing, and it is improbable that they would all lie about their methods. White also noted that much of the evidence presented by the claimants had been previously dismissed in related cases against other media groups.
Impact on Prince Harry and Other Claimants
Prince Harry has expressed that the alleged unlawful practices have left him "paranoid beyond belief" and contributed to a "sustained campaign" of attacks against him for standing up to the publisher. The court heard that sensitive information, including flight details, was obtained unlawfully, posing serious security implications for the Duke of Sussex.
What this might mean
As the trial progresses, the outcome could have significant implications for media ethics and privacy laws in the UK. A ruling against ANL might prompt stricter regulations on information gathering by media outlets, potentially reshaping journalistic practices. Conversely, if ANL successfully defends its practices, it could embolden other publishers to continue aggressive information-gathering tactics. Legal experts suggest that the case could set a precedent for future celebrity privacy lawsuits, influencing how high-profile individuals protect their personal information against media intrusion.
