Prince Harry sues Daily Mail publisher over unlawful information gathering
Prince Harry, Elton John, and other high-profile figures lost their privacy lawsuits against Associated Newspapers (ANL), publisher of the Daily Mail, on July 7, 2026, when the High Court dismissed all claims of unlawful information gathering. As of July 7, 2026, the court ruled the claimants had not provided sufficient evidence, a decision ANL welcomed as an "overwhelming victory." This outcome followed a 10-week trial and a key witness, private investigator Gavin Burrows, recanting his statements alleging unlawful information gathering for ANL, claiming his confessions were fabricated.
Timeline
Want updates on this thread?
Track this storyTimeline of developments
July 2026 — 2 developments
Prince Harry and Elton John lose privacy lawsuit against Daily Mail publisher.
Prince Harry, Elton John, and other high-profile figures have lost their privacy lawsuits against Associated Newspapers (ANL), the publisher of the Daily Mail. The High Court dismissed all claims of unlawful information gathering, ruling that the claimants had not provided sufficient evidence to prove their allegations. The publisher welcomed the decision, calling it an "overwhelming victory."
Prince Harry Lawsuit: Judgment Against Daily Mail Publisher Expected July 7
A judgment is expected on July 7, 2026, in Prince Harry's lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) concerning allegations of unlawful information gathering. Prince Harry is anticipated to be in the UK for the ruling. ANL has denied the claims, though its executives admitted to some minor unlawful data breaches during the proceedings.
April 2026 — 3 developments
Judge Reserves Judgment in Prince Harry's Privacy Case Against ANL
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.
Prince Harry's private correspondence with Daily Mail journalist revealed in ANL lawsuit
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.
Prince Harry's privacy case against ANL concludes, High Court awaits judgment
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
High Court Judge Concludes 10-Week Trial in Prince Harry's Unlawful Information Gathering Case
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.
Gavin Burrows recants testimony in Prince Harry's lawsuit against ANL, claims forgery
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 wins phone hacking case against Daily Mail publisher ANL
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 Accuses Daily Mail Publisher of Making Meghan's Life 'Misery'
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 accuses Daily Mail publisher of driving him to 'drugs and drinking'
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 Editor Rebecca English Denies Using PIs for Prince Harry Stories in High Court
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 testifies in High Court, expresses anger over Prince Harry's allegations
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 accuses Daily Mail publisher of making Meghan's life 'misery' and unlawful methods
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 testifies Daily Mail publisher unlawfully obtained information
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.
Private Investigator Daniel Portley-Hanks Testifies in Prince Harry Lawsuit, Claims $1M from Daily Mail Publisher
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.
Researcher admits paying £100,000 to Prince Harry lawsuit claimants
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.
US detective Daniel Portley-Hanks received $1M from Mail on Sunday for unlawful work
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 testifies she felt "taken for a fool" by Associated Newspapers Ltd
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
Prince Harry reportedly breaks down in tears during testimony in lawsuit against Associated Newspapers
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.
Sadie Frost testifies in High Court, alleges ANL used unlawful information gathering
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'.
Prince Harry questioned on 'Spare' passages by Associated Newspapers lawyers 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.
Prince Harry testifies publisher made Meghan's life 'misery' in unlawful information gathering case
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.
Liz Hurley testifies in court, devastated by alleged phone tapping and recorded conversations
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 sues Associated Newspapers over articles on pre-Meghan relationships
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.
Prince Harry launches third lawsuit against UK publisher for alleged privacy violations
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 states legal battle against Daily Mail publisher is 'in the public interest'
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 sues Associated Newspapers over alleged 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 ANL lawsuit moved to Wednesday
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 claim 'compelling evidence' 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'.
Prince Harry accuses ANL of trying 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.
Prince Harry testifies press made Meghan's life 'misery,' legal battle '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."
Prince Harry disputes 'leaky' social circle claims during testimony
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 testifies in court, citing 'distress and paranoia' from Daily Mail publisher's alleged actions
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 describes alleged Daily Mail targeting as 'terrifying intrusion' and 'massive strain'
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 Daily Mail publisher begins in London High Court
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'.
Elton John, Doreen Lawrence join Prince Harry's lawsuit against Associated Newspapers
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 Daily Mail publisher enters final phase
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 and others begin final legal action against Associated Newspapers
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.
Elton John sues Associated Newspapers over alleged privacy violations and voicemail hacking
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 arrives at court for phone hacking trial, claims 'sustained campaign' of attacks
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.
Prince Harry attends High Court as unlawful information gathering trial against Associated Newspapers begins
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 concludes testimony in Associated Newspapers Limited trial
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.
ANL denies unlawful information gathering as high-stakes trial begins
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
Judge Rules Prince Harry and Claimants Must Limit 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 settles unlawful information gathering claims with News Corp. for damages and apology
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
High Court directs Prince Harry's ANL claim to trial in early 2026
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
ANL anonymity reporting restrictions for journalists lifted
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 files Defences against Prince Harry's claims, disputes 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
Judge Rules Prince Harry's Lawsuit Against Daily Mail Publisher Can Proceed to 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 dismisses ANL's application to limit claimants based on timing
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.