Prince Harry experienced a dramatic and emotional day at the Royal Courts of Justice, where he gave evidence in a high-stakes legal battle against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL). The Duke of Sussex, fighting back tears at times, vehemently denied allegations that he used the pseudonym "Mr Mischief" to contact journalists, while highlighting the profound impact of media scrutiny on his family.
A Day of Contrasting Emotions in Court
Arriving at the court on Wednesday, Prince Harry appeared upbeat and cheerful, smiling and waving to reporters and the public as he entered the building. He even offered a thumbs-up gesture, setting a positive tone at the outset of the proceedings. Inside the courtroom, lighthearted moments ensued when his barrister, David Sherborne, inquired about how Harry preferred to be addressed, leading to laughter after the prince humorously admitted he couldn't recall the previous formality.
Tense Cross-Examination and Emotional Outburst
The mood shifted significantly during cross-examination by ANL's barrister, Mr Antony White KC. Prince Harry firmly rejected claims that he operated a Facebook profile under the name "Mr Mischief" to message Charlotte Griffiths, a journalist from the Mail on Sunday. He stated, "I have never used the name Mr Mischief" and denied meeting Griffiths in Ibiza, asserting his only visit to the island was with his wife, Meghan, and their son, Archie.
As his evidence concluded, Harry's voice cracked with emotion as he addressed the court, saying, "They continue to come after me. They have made my wife's life an absolute misery, my lord." This poignant moment underscored the personal toll of the legal dispute, with Harry explaining that attacks on Meghan Markle, particularly after their relationship became public in late 2016, prompted him to seek legal recourse outside the royal institution for the first time.
Background of the Legal Claim
Prince Harry's claim focuses on 14 articles published by Associated Newspapers, many of which concern his former girlfriend, Chelsy Davy. He alleges that the newspaper's methods of gathering information, including hacking voicemails and deceptive practices, created a "massive strain" on personal relationships and left Davy "terrified." The case is part of a broader lawsuit involving other high-profile figures, such as Sir Elton John and Baroness Doreen Lawrence, who accuse ANL of unlawful information gathering.
In his written submissions, Harry described having an "uneasy relationship" with the press since his mother's death in 1997, conditioned by the royal policy of "never complain, never explain." He criticised specific articles as "disgusting" and "creepy," including one about private discussions with his brother after a photo of Princess Diana was published.
Courtroom Dynamics and Judicial Intervention
The cross-examination featured several tense exchanges, with Mr White KC suggesting Harry's social circles were "leaky," a claim the duke strongly rebutted. Judge Mr Justice Nicklin intervened to advise Harry against arguing back, reminding him that his role was to answer questions while his barrister handled the legal arguments. This interaction highlighted the high-pressure environment of the trial.
Prior to the hearing, sources close to Prince Harry accused ANL of "game-playing and dirty tricks" regarding scheduling, though ANL dismissed these allegations. The trial is set to conclude in March, with a judgment to be delivered in writing at a later date.
This case marks a significant moment in Prince Harry's ongoing battle with the media, reflecting his determination to challenge press practices that he believes have harmed his family and personal life.
