Prince Harry took the stand on Tuesday in the lawsuit he and three other claimants have filed in London against Mirror Group Newspapers, which he accuses of phone hacking and invasion of his family’s privacy. The trial marks Harry’s first-ever testimony in court, allowing him to air his grievances against Britain’s aggressive tabloid press, which according to Harry, has been “waging war on my family.”
Over five hours of testimony, Harry shared the deeply personal impact of press intrusion on his life, particularly on his mental health and relationships. Here are the key takeaways from Day 1:
Prince Harry’s longstanding hostility toward the British news media
Harry has fought against tabloid intrusion for years and called out reporters and editors for their “utterly vile” and “criminal” behavior. In his written witness statement, he lashed out, stating, “How much more blood will stain their typing fingers before someone can put a stop to this madness.” Every area of his life was affected, Harry testified, causing depression and paranoia. He recounted that his persona was often cast in preordained roles by tabloids, leading people to sometimes think he is a “thicko” or “underage drinker.”
Harry’s skilled testimony in court
Despite the intense grilling from lawyers, Harry remained measured and precise in his answers, refusing to be drawn into speculations. He focused on the distress that tabloid coverage caused and pointed out the need to hold them accountable. He said that one of the main factors that led to the end of his relationship with Chelsy Davy, a former girlfriend, was press intrusion.
A call for greater accountability
Harry urged for greater accountability of the British tabloids. He questioned how anyone could trust a media organization that “enjoys the liberties of free press” when they cover up the truth. He shared specifics in the breach of his privacy, stating that intimate details which the tabloids revealed could only have been obtained illegally.
The publisher’s opposing perspective
The publisher -Mirror Group Newspapers- claims that Harry has not provided solid proof of phone hacking. It argues that the articles cited by Harry were published before he had a phone, that insiders could have leaked information, that official statements from Buckingham Palace could have been the source, or that other news articles could have provided details. However, Harry remains convinced that phone hacking was the main source of leaks, as he pointed to suspicious knowledge that the paparazzi had of his whereabouts, as well as other unexplained incidents.
Insight into royal family strife
Harry recounted his struggles within the royal family due to rumors that his biological father was former cavalry officer James Hewitt. The tabloids continued pushing this theory, despite Harry having had no idea that Hewitt may have been his biological father. He also expressed frustration with the current British government led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, stating that the state of the press and government was “at rock bottom.”
This article was rewritten by an AI paraphrasing tool.
