The Duke of Sussex has told the High Court that alleged unlawful information gathering by the publisher of the Daily Mail left him feeling "paranoid beyond belief" and caused a "massive strain" on his personal relationships. Prince Harry was present at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on Tuesday, 19th January 2026, for the opening day of a landmark trial against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL).
Explosive Allegations of Systematic Spying
In a dramatic witness statement, extracts of which were read in court, Harry described the alleged intrusion as "terrifying" for his loved ones. He is one of seven high-profile claimants, including Sir Elton John, David Furnish, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Sir Simon Hughes, and actresses Sadie Frost and Liz Hurley, who are suing the publisher.
The group alleges ANL engaged in a "clear systematic and sustained use of unlawful information gathering" over a period of two decades. The alleged activities, they claim, included hiring private investigators to plant listening devices in cars, illegally accessing private phone records, and "blagging" confidential information.
Harry's specific claims relate to 14 articles published between 2001 and 2013. His barrister, David Sherborne, stated the Duke was caused "great distress by each and every episode" of unlawful activity. Sherborne told the court the targeting had a "profoundly distressing effect", creating distrust and suspicion in his life.
Specific Claims and the Publisher's Defence
Among the detailed allegations presented, the court heard that a private investigator named Mike Behr was allegedly commissioned by Mail journalists to obtain flight details for Harry's then-girlfriend, Chelsy Davy. The investigator reportedly suggested someone could be "planted next to her" on the flight to South Africa.
Other articles cited involve the sensitive matter of Harry being chosen as godfather to his former nanny's child, and details about his relationship with presenter Natalie Pinkham. Harry stated it was "disturbing to feel that my every move, thought or feeling was being tracked and monitored just for the Mail to make money out of it".
In a robust defence, ANL "vehemently" denied all allegations, labelling them "preposterous". Representing the publisher, Antony White KC argued that the celebrity claimants had "leaky" social circles. He contended that friends and associates regularly provided information to the press, and that the articles were sourced legitimately from contacts, publicists, and prior reports.
White specifically stated that disclosures about Prince Harry's private life were "a not uncommon occurrence" from within his own social circle.
A Royal Family Distanced as Trial Begins
The trial, which is expected to last for nine weeks, commenced with Harry sitting in court to hear the opening arguments. He is scheduled to give evidence in person on Thursday. His visit to the UK has not included plans to meet with his father, King Charles III, or his brother, the Prince of Wales.
The senior royals have maintained their distance, with the King undertaking engagements in Scotland and the Prince and Princess of Wales due in Stirling. The case, which shines a stark light on the practices of the British tabloid press and the right to privacy, continues.
