Harry Calls for Accountability
Prince Harry testified that the British tabloids need to be held accountable for their actions and questioned how anyone could trust a media organization that covers up the truth. The prince also stated that the police and government are afraid to seek justice against the tabloids and they believe themselves to be above the law.
Prince Harry discussed the various breaches at the center of his lawsuit and provided details from a litany of articles that he believed could only be explained by illegal news gathering, such as phone hacking. He recalled how the paparazzi always seemed to know his whereabouts, even when he met Ms. Davy at the airport or visited a nightclub.
The Mirror Challenges Harry’s Claims
The publisher of The Mirror contends that Prince Harry has provided no solid proof of phone hacking and some of the articles in question were published before the prince even had a phone. The defense argued that there were other possible explanations for how the detailed information became known to reporters, such as tipoffs, information from friends or aides, other press reports, or official statements from Buckingham Palace. Additionally, the defense cited “Spare,” the prince’s memoir, in an attempt to refute his claims.
New Insights into Royal Family Strife
Prince Harry expressed his concerns regarding his role in the royal family and how it was being undermined, years before he stepped down from his official duties. He cited articles based on a rumor that his biological father was James Hewitt and expressed his distress at the reports. The prince also questioned whether the newspapers aimed to put doubt into the minds of the public and ultimately oust him from the royal family.
The testimony also revealed that Prince Harry is not a fan of the current British government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. He stated that the state of the press and government in the country is at an all-time low and is judged globally as such.
Megan Specia contributed reporting.
