A landmark legal battle commenced at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on Monday, 19 January 2026, as Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and a group of six other prominent figures initiated a high-stakes nine-week trial against the publisher of the Daily Mail.
A High-Profile Coalition Takes a Stand
The claimants, who are taking legal action against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), represent a significant cross-section of British public life. Alongside Prince Harry, the group includes music icon Sir Elton John and his husband, David Furnish, actors Elizabeth Hurley and Sadie Frost, Baroness Doreen Lawrence – the mother of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence – and former Liberal Democrat MP Simon Hughes.
Their collective lawsuit centres on serious allegations of unlawful information gathering. The claimants accuse the newspaper group of carrying out or commissioning a range of intrusive activities. These alleged practices include hiring private investigators to plant listening devices inside cars and the act of "blagging," which involves deceitfully obtaining private records.
Publisher's Defence and a Broader Conflict
Associated Newspapers has issued a robust and categorical denial of all accusations. The publisher has labelled the claims "preposterous smears" and contends that the case forms part of a wider, orchestrated campaign against the freedom of the press.
The trial, however, promises to scrutinise these defences under unprecedented legal examination. As noted by renowned media lawyer Mark Stephens, "This case asks whether Britain’s most influential publisher truly sailed through the phone‑hacking era without touching the water — or whether it simply avoided the spotlight." He emphasised that, for the first time, the court will rigorously examine evidence, patterns, and sourcing methods that have never before been tested in a legal setting.
Confidence and Readiness for a Protracted Fight
As the proceedings opened, a source close to Prince Harry indicated to The Telegraph that the Duke was feeling "confident and ready" for the lengthy court battle ahead. The trial is scheduled to run for nine weeks, suggesting a deep well of evidence and complex legal arguments will be presented by both sides.
This case is viewed as a pivotal moment for press accountability in the UK. It follows years of controversy surrounding newspaper practices and represents one of the most significant collective actions brought by public figures against a major media entity. The outcome could have substantial implications for the boundaries of investigative journalism and personal privacy.
