The High Court has heard compelling arguments that intimate details concerning Prince Harry's former relationship with Chelsy Davy were acquired through unlawful means by the publisher of the Mail on Sunday. During a significant legal confrontation, the Duke of Sussex's legal representative asserted that granular information about the couple's private life, including specific sleeping arrangements, was improperly obtained.
Granular Detail About Private Life
David Sherborne, the barrister representing Prince Harry, informed the court that an article published in January 2010 contained exceptionally detailed insights into the couple's plans. This included revelations about Harry's personal preferences regarding where he chose to spend the night. The publication also disclosed that the Duke had provided Ms Davy with a set of keys as they managed their long-distance relationship, adding another layer of private information exposed to the public.
Firm Denial of Betrayal
Prince Harry's evidence remains steadfast on a crucial point: he is convinced that neither Ms Davy nor their closest confidants would have divulged such confidential details. Mr Sherborne emphasised that the duke believes these individuals would not possibly have betrayed their trust. This stance forms a central pillar of the case, highlighting the alleged breach of privacy that has caused considerable distress.
Legal Action Against Associated Newspapers
Prince Harry is not pursuing this legal battle alone. He is joined by a notable group of claimants, including Sir Elton John, his husband David Furnish, campaigner Doreen Lawrence, former Liberal Democrat MP Sir Simon Hughes, and actors Sadie Frost and Liz Hurley. Together, they are taking action against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) over allegations of unlawful information gathering. ANL has responded vehemently, dismissing these claims as preposterous.
Questionable Source of Information
The court heard that journalist Katie Nicholl, who wrote the article for the Mail on Sunday, indicated her notebooks pointed to a man named Garth Gibbs as the source of the minute details. Mr Sherborne described Gibbs as a South African-born individual living in semi-retirement on the Isle of Wight, with his cat as his sole companion. The barrister argued it was utterly implausible that such a person would possess or supply that level of intimate information about the Duke of Sussex and Ms Davy.
Mr Sherborne suggested that Ms Nicholl might have employed familiar unlawful information gathering techniques to acquire the story. This allegation forms part of a broader pattern being examined in the ongoing trial.
Distress and Paranoia Caused
Summarising Prince Harry's written evidence, Mr Sherborne detailed the significant emotional impact of these revelations. The duke has experienced considerable distress and paranoia, feelings he attributes to the sustained campaign against him for publicly standing up to Associated Newspapers. The barrister posed a poignant question to the court: given the circumstances, is it any wonder he feels this way?
Publisher's Defence
ANL's legal team, led by Antony White KC, presented a different perspective in written submissions. They argued that disclosures about the private lives of celebrities like Prince Harry were not uncommon occurrences. The publisher contends that the social circles of the celebrity claimants were "leaky," with friends and associates regularly providing information to the press on a confidential basis.
Mr White stated that Ms Nicholl received the information from Mr Gibbs through a South African source who was good friends with Ms Davy and connected on Facebook. He suggested she would have verified the story with other confidential sources. ANL maintains that their journalists have provided a compelling account of legitimate sourcing patterns for the articles in question.
Background of the Relationship
Prince Harry and Zimbabwean-born Chelsy Davy shared a relationship spanning approximately seven years. Their romance endured through Harry's army training and overseas postings, as well as Ms Davy's university studies in South Africa. After splitting in early 2009, they briefly rekindled their relationship, with Ms Davy making a rare public appearance in May 2010 to watch Harry receive his wings after completing his Army Air Corps helicopter pilot course.
Although they parted ways again around 2011, they maintained a friendship, and Ms Davy attended Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018. This historical context underscores the deeply personal nature of the information allegedly obtained unlawfully.
The trial continues as both sides present their arguments, with significant implications for privacy rights and media practices in the United Kingdom.
