Prince Harry sues Daily Mail publisher over unlawful information gathering
Prince Harry's privacy case against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), publisher of the Daily Mail, concluded its trial phase on April 21, 2026, in London, with the judge reserving judgment. As of April 21, 2026: The High Court is awaiting a ruling after closing arguments, during which intimate messages between Prince Harry and a Mail on Sunday journalist from 2011-2012 were revealed. The lawsuit alleges unlawful information gathering by ANL, which the publisher denies, and a key witness, private investigator Gavin Burrows, recanted his previous statements claiming his confessions were fabricated. Prince Harry previously won a phone hacking case against ANL on March 13, 2026, and testified that the publisher made his wife Meghan's life "an absolute misery".
Timeline
Want updates on this thread?
Track this storyTimeline of developments
April 2026 — 3 developments
The judge has reserved judgment in Prince Harry's privacy case against Associated Newspapers Limited…
The judge has reserved judgment in Prince Harry's privacy case against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, following the conclusion of the trial phase. The lawsuit alleges unlawful information gathering by ANL, which the publisher denies. Recently, intimate messages allegedly exchanged between Prince Harry and a Mail on Sunday journalist surfaced during the case.
During the closing arguments of Prince Harry's lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), …
During the closing arguments of Prince Harry's lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), private correspondence between the Prince and a Daily Mail journalist from 2011-2012 was revealed. This revelation has raised questions regarding Prince Harry's previous statements in court.
Closing arguments have concluded in Prince Harry's privacy invasion case against Associated Newspapers Ltd.
Closing arguments have concluded in Prince Harry's privacy invasion case against Associated Newspapers Ltd. (ANL), with the High Court now awaiting a judgment. Prince Harry's legal team argued that the publisher engaged in systematic illegal methods, while ANL denied the claims.
March 2026 — 6 developments
The 10-week trial concerning allegations of unlawful information gathering by the publisher of the D…
The 10-week trial concerning allegations of unlawful information gathering by the publisher of the Daily Mail against Prince Harry, Sir Elton John, and five other high-profile figures concluded on March 31, 2026. The High Court judge will now consider the case, with a ruling not expected for several months.
A key witness in Prince Harry's lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), private investi…
A key witness in Prince Harry's lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), private investigator Gavin Burrows, has recanted his previous statements, claiming his confessions of unlawful information gathering for ANL were fabricated and his signature was forged. Burrows testified that the lawsuit was "based on a pack of lies" and that he had been "conned."
Prince Harry has won his phone hacking case against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday.
Prince Harry has won his phone hacking case against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday. The High Court ruled that ANL engaged in unlawful information gathering, including phone hacking and 'blagging.' This victory concludes a lawsuit brought by Prince Harry and six other individuals alleging a pattern of unlawful acts over two decades.
Prince Harry accused the Daily Mail's publisher of making his wife Meghan's life "an absolute misery" during his testimony.
Prince Harry accused the Daily Mail's publisher of making his wife Meghan's life "an absolute misery" during his testimony. Royal editor Rebecca English denied using private investigators, stating stories came from legitimate sources, though emails suggested an investigator obtained flight details for Harry's then-girlfriend Chelsy Davy in 2007.
Prince Harry accused the Daily Mail's publisher of wanting to drive him to "drugs and drinking" by p…
Prince Harry accused the Daily Mail's publisher of wanting to drive him to "drugs and drinking" by placing his life under surveillance and making his wife Meghan's life "an absolute misery." He testified that journalists were not his friends and that stories he claimed were illegally obtained actually came from legitimate sources. A judge ruled that a key witness will be allowed to give evidence remotely in the privacy lawsuit.
Daily Mail royal editor Rebecca English testified in the High Court, denying allegations of using private investigators to obtain information about Prince Harry.
Daily Mail royal editor Rebecca English testified in the High Court, denying allegations of using private investigators to obtain information about Prince Harry. She stated that stories Harry claimed were illegally obtained actually came from legitimate sources, such as a royal family press officer or a source familiar with Prince Harry's former girlfriend. English's name is linked to six articles cited in Prince Harry's case against Associated Newspapers Ltd.
February 2026 — 7 developments
Paul Dacre, the Daily Mail's long-serving former editor, testified in London's High Court on Februar…
Paul Dacre, the Daily Mail's long-serving former editor, testified in London's High Court on February 10, 2026, stating he was upset and angry at allegations of unlawful behavior at the paper made by Prince Harry and other claimants. The claimants are suing Associated Newspapers for damages over alleged violations of their privacy.
Prince Harry has accused the publisher of the Daily Mail, Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL), of making…
Prince Harry has accused the publisher of the Daily Mail, Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL), of making his wife Meghan's life "an absolute misery" and using unlawful information gathering methods. New court claims suggest that even Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, may have been targeted. Former editor Paul Dacre has resumed giving evidence in the High Court, categorically denying allegations of unlawful behavior at the paper.
David Furnish, husband of Elton John, testified in the High Court that the publisher of the Daily Mail unlawfully obtained information about them.
David Furnish, husband of Elton John, testified in the High Court that the publisher of the Daily Mail unlawfully obtained information about them. A US-based private investigator also stated he received about $1 million for work performed for the publisher and believes these activities were unlawful.
A US-based private investigator, Daniel Portley-Hanks, testified in Prince Harry's lawsuit against t…
A US-based private investigator, Daniel Portley-Hanks, testified in Prince Harry's lawsuit against the Daily Mail publisher, stating he received about $1 million for work conducted for Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL). He believes the activities he performed were unlawful within the context of the publisher's operations.
A researcher has admitted to paying over £100,000 to individuals whose claims are central to Prince …
A researcher has admitted to paying over £100,000 to individuals whose claims are central to Prince Harry's lawsuit against the Daily Mail publisher, Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL). In a separate development, a private investigator claimed he received a threatening voice message from Prince Harry's legal researcher during the ongoing High Court proceedings.
A US-based private detective, Daniel Portley-Hanks, testified in the High Court that he received around $1 million for work conducted for the Mail on Sunday.
A US-based private detective, Daniel Portley-Hanks, testified in the High Court that he received around $1 million for work conducted for the Mail on Sunday. He stated that he now believes the activities he performed were unlawful within the context of the publisher's operations.
Doreen Lawrence, mother of Stephen Lawrence, testified in court on February 2, 2026, stating she fel…
Doreen Lawrence, mother of Stephen Lawrence, testified in court on February 2, 2026, stating she felt "taken for a fool" by Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL) and expressed anger and betrayal.
January 2026 — 25 developments
Elton John and David Furnish are among the prominent individuals suing Associated Newspapers alongside Prince Harry.
Elton John and David Furnish are among the prominent individuals suing Associated Newspapers alongside Prince Harry. During his testimony, Prince Harry reportedly broke down in tears.
Actor Sadie Frost testified in the High Court, alleging that Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL) used un…
Actor Sadie Frost testified in the High Court, alleging that Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL) used unlawful information gathering against her and that she believed there was a 'price put on my head'.
During his testimony, Prince Harry was reportedly questioned by lawyers for Associated Newspapers Limited about passages from his 2023 memoir, 'Spare,' which were used in court.
During his testimony, Prince Harry was reportedly questioned by lawyers for Associated Newspapers Limited about passages from his 2023 memoir, 'Spare,' which were used in court.
Liz Hurley testified that her medical information was stolen as part of the alleged unlawful information gathering.
Liz Hurley testified that her medical information was stolen as part of the alleged unlawful information gathering. Prince Harry stated in court that the publisher made his wife Meghan's life 'an absolute misery.' Lawyers for Associated Newspapers countered, arguing the claims are 'not made out' and 'clutching at straws in the wind,' asserting journalists used legitimate sources.
Actor Liz Hurley testified in court, stating she was devastated to discover her home landlines had b…
Actor Liz Hurley testified in court, stating she was devastated to discover her home landlines had been tapped and live conversations recorded as part of the alleged unlawful information gathering.
Prince Harry's lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited centers on 14 articles published betwee…
Prince Harry's lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited centers on 14 articles published between 2001 and 2013, which his lawyers claim intrusively focused on his relationships prior to meeting Meghan Markle.
The legal action against Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL) was initiated in 2022, alleging privacy vio…
The legal action against Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL) was initiated in 2022, alleging privacy violations from the early 1990s to early 2000s, and marks Prince Harry's third such lawsuit against a major UK publisher.
Prince Harry stated in court that his legal battle against the Daily Mail's publisher is 'in the public interest' and not merely a personal issue.
Prince Harry stated in court that his legal battle against the Daily Mail's publisher is 'in the public interest' and not merely a personal issue. He and six other claimants allege two decades of privacy invasion through unlawful methods.
Prince Harry's lawsuit against Associated Newspapers alleges specific unlawful information gathering…
Prince Harry's lawsuit against Associated Newspapers alleges specific unlawful information gathering methods, including phone tapping, impersonation, voicemail hacking, and obtaining confidential information by deception. The civil trial is expected to last nine weeks.
Prince Harry's testimony in his lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) was moved up to Wednesday from Thursday, following a request from his legal team.
Prince Harry's testimony in his lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) was moved up to Wednesday from Thursday, following a request from his legal team.
Prince Harry's lawyers asserted in court that they possess 'compelling evidence' of him being a victim of unlawful information gathering.
Prince Harry's lawyers asserted in court that they possess 'compelling evidence' of him being a victim of unlawful information gathering. During his testimony, Prince Harry also stated he couldn't complain about tabloid stories at the time due to 'the institution I was in'.
During his testimony, Prince Harry accused Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL) of attempting to drive him to 'drugs and drinking' through surveillance.
During his testimony, Prince Harry accused Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL) of attempting to drive him to 'drugs and drinking' through surveillance. He stated ANL continues to target him and his wife, Meghan Markle.
During his testimony, Prince Harry stated that the press made his wife Meghan's life "an absolute misery" and that his legal battle is "not just about me.
During his testimony, Prince Harry stated that the press made his wife Meghan's life "an absolute misery" and that his legal battle is "not just about me." Lawyers for Associated Newspapers, the publisher, argued that Prince Harry's claims were like "clutching at straws in the wind."
During his testimony on January 21, Prince Harry adopted a combative stance, disputing claims that h…
During his testimony on January 21, Prince Harry adopted a combative stance, disputing claims that his social circle was 'leaky' to journalists and asserting, 'My social circles were not leaky,' during cross-examination. The lawsuit also includes other prominent figures such as Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley as claimants.
Prince Harry took the stand and testified in court, stating that the alleged unlawful information ga…
Prince Harry took the stand and testified in court, stating that the alleged unlawful information gathering by the Daily Mail's publisher caused him significant distress and paranoia.
Prince Harry described the alleged targeting by the Daily Mail publisher as 'terrifying intrusion' t…
Prince Harry described the alleged targeting by the Daily Mail publisher as 'terrifying intrusion' that left him 'paranoid beyond belief' and put a 'massive strain' on his personal relationships.
Prince Harry's privacy lawsuit against the Daily Mail publisher, Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), has commenced at the High Court in London.
Prince Harry's privacy lawsuit against the Daily Mail publisher, Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), has commenced at the High Court in London. Harry accuses ANL of unlawful activities, including hiring private investigators and accessing private phone conversations, which he claims made his wife Meghan's life 'an absolute misery' and attempted to drive him 'to drugs and drinking'. ANL has denied the allegations, calling them 'preposterous'.
Sir Elton John and Baroness Doreen Lawrence are among the six other claimants joining Prince Harry i…
Sir Elton John and Baroness Doreen Lawrence are among the six other claimants joining Prince Harry in his lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited for alleged unlawful information gathering.
Prince Harry's privacy lawsuit against the Daily Mail publisher has entered its final phase, with the trial expected to last nine weeks.
Prince Harry's privacy lawsuit against the Daily Mail publisher has entered its final phase, with the trial expected to last nine weeks.
Prince Harry, alongside six other high-profile individuals including Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley…
Prince Harry, alongside six other high-profile individuals including Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley, initiated the final phase of his legal action against Associated Newspapers for unlawful information gathering.
Sir Elton John was explicitly named as one of the high-profile claimants in the lawsuit against Associated Newspapers.
Sir Elton John was explicitly named as one of the high-profile claimants in the lawsuit against Associated Newspapers. The allegations of privacy violations, including voicemail hacking, are stated to span from the early 1990s to the early 2010s.
Prince Harry arrived at the Royal Courts of Justice on January 19 for the start of his nine-week phone hacking trial.
Prince Harry arrived at the Royal Courts of Justice on January 19 for the start of his nine-week phone hacking trial. His lawyers also claimed he believes he has faced a 'sustained campaign' of attacks for challenging the Daily Mail publisher, setting out 14 articles as evidence.
The nine-week trial for the unlawful information gathering lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Ltd commenced at London's High Court, with Prince Harry among the claimants present.
The nine-week trial for the unlawful information gathering lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Ltd commenced at London's High Court, with Prince Harry among the claimants present.
Prince Harry's evidence in the trial against Associated Newspapers Limited concluded on January 21, 2026, marking the end of his testimony.
Prince Harry's evidence in the trial against Associated Newspapers Limited concluded on January 21, 2026, marking the end of his testimony. The third and final phase of his legal battle with British tabloids commenced on January 18, 2026.
Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) denied allegations of unlawful information gathering as the high…
Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) denied allegations of unlawful information gathering as the high-stakes trial began on January 18, 2026, arguing that the articles in question were sourced legitimately. This marks the official start of the defense's arguments in court.
January 2025 — 2 developments
A judge has ruled that Prince Harry and other claimants involved in the lawsuit against the Daily Mail publishers must limit their legal costs to £4 million each.
A judge has ruled that Prince Harry and other claimants involved in the lawsuit against the Daily Mail publishers must limit their legal costs to £4 million each.
Prince Harry reached a settlement with News Corp.
Prince Harry reached a settlement with News Corp., publisher of The Sun newspaper, in January 2025 over similar claims of unlawful information gathering. News Corp. agreed to pay substantial damages and issued an apology to Harry and his late mother, Princess Diana.
November 2024 — 1 developments
The High Court directed that Prince Harry's unlawful information gathering claim against ANL would go to trial in early 2026, scheduled to last for nine weeks.
The High Court directed that Prince Harry's unlawful information gathering claim against ANL would go to trial in early 2026, scheduled to last for nine weeks.
May 2024 — 1 developments
Anonymity reporting restrictions that ANL had obtained for a large number of journalists fell away, allowing further details about the claims to be reported.
Anonymity reporting restrictions that ANL had obtained for a large number of journalists fell away, allowing further details about the claims to be reported.
April 2024 — 1 developments
Associated Newspapers Limited filed and served its Defences to the claims brought by Prince Harry and others, strongly disputing the alleged wrongdoing.
Associated Newspapers Limited filed and served its Defences to the claims brought by Prince Harry and others, strongly disputing the alleged wrongdoing.
November 2023 — 2 developments
A British judge has ruled that Prince Harry's lawsuit against the publisher of the Daily Mail can proceed to a full trial.
A British judge has ruled that Prince Harry's lawsuit against the publisher of the Daily Mail can proceed to a full trial. The lawsuit, which also includes Elton John and five other public figures, accuses Associated Newspapers Ltd. of unlawfully gathering information through private investigators. The publisher lost a bid to have the cases dismissed at the High Court.
Justice Nicklin dismissed ANL's application to limit the claimants based on timing, ruling that the issue of whether the claims were filed too late would be decided at trial.
Justice Nicklin dismissed ANL's application to limit the claimants based on timing, ruling that the issue of whether the claims were filed too late would be decided at trial.