Prince Harry, also known as the Duke of Sussex, made a startling assertion during his appearance at the High Court in London today.
In a witness statement submitted as part of his civil claim against Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Mail on Sunday and Mail Online, Harry claimed that he was conditioned by the Royal Family to adhere to the rule of never complain, never explain when dealing with the press.
This claim is just one of many in a legal battle over alleged breaches of privacy.
According to Harry’s statement, he became aware of his claim in 2018 and accused the institution of withholding information about phone hacking from him for an extended period of time.
It was only after he pursued his own claim with different legal advice and representation that he discovered the truth.
Harry’s claim is part of a group of claimants, including Sir Elton John, Liz Hurley, and Jodie Frost, who are accusing Associated Newspapers of multiple breaches of privacy.
The publisher, however, has denied all allegations made against them.
Harry revealed how his awareness of the situation unfolded after he relocated from the United Kingdom in 2020, stating, “It is not an exaggeration to say that the bubble burst in terms of what I knew in 2020 when I moved out of the United Kingdom.”
On Monday, the 38-year-old prince was seen arriving at the High Court in London for the first of his four scheduled days in the legal setting.
He had traveled from the US, where he now resides with his wife Meghan and their two children.
This latest claim by Prince Harry adds to the ongoing feud between him and the royal family, particularly since his decision to step down as a senior royal in 2020.
In the docu-series “Harry and Meghan,” released on Netflix in December, Harry accused the media of exerting immense pressure on his wife and suggested that it ultimately led to Meghan’s miscarriage in 2020.
Reflecting on their loss, Harry expressed, “That miscarriage was created by what they were trying to do to her.”
The couple believes that their experiences have sparked a national debate about the role and accountability of the press.
As the legal case against Associated Newspapers unfolds, more details are expected to emerge regarding the alleged breaches of privacy and the extent of the royal family’s involvement in shaping the media narrative around Harry and Meghan.
This case carries significant implications for the future of press freedom and the relationship between the media and the monarchy.
It raises important questions about the boundaries of the media’s right to report on public figures and the responsibility of publishers to safeguard individuals’ privacy.
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences for the media industry and the way the public engages with news and current affairs.
While it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold, one thing is clear: the case has reignited the debate about the relationship between the press and the monarchy, as well as the media’s role in holding positions of power accountable.
As the trial continues, it is crucial to consider the impact this case may have on press freedom and the delicate balance between public interest and personal privacy.
The verdict could shape the future of media coverage and the responsibilities of publishers.