Prince Harry has decided to drop his libel case against the Daily Mail, adding to the list of legal actions he has taken against British tabloids.

The case centered around an article published by the Daily Mail in February 2022, which raised concerns about the Duke of Sussex’s security arrangements after he and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped back as senior royals and relocated to the US.

The Duke alleged that the article falsely insinuated that he had acted dishonestly and attempted to manipulate public opinion by concealing the fact that he had requested continued police protection funded by taxpayers.

He also claimed that the article had caused significant damage to his reputation and invaded his privacy.

However, the case suffered a major setback when a judge ruled in favor of the Daily Mail last month, stating that the article constituted an honest opinion and did not imply any dishonest behavior on the part of Prince Harry.

The judge further ordered the Duke to pay £48,447 towards the publisher’s legal costs.

Just hours before the court deadline on Friday, Prince Harry’s legal team informed the High Court in London that he was withdrawing the case, effectively admitting defeat.

According to the Daily Mail, the Duke may be responsible for covering the full amount of the publisher’s legal expenses, which could reach £750,000.

This decision has raised questions regarding Prince Harry’s motives and judgment, as well as the influence of Meghan Markle on his legal strategy.

Some royal experts and commentators have suggested that the Duchess may have exerted pressure on Prince Harry to pursue the case, despite the potential risks and costs involved.

Meghan Markle, who has faced numerous controversies since joining the royal family, has been accused of being the driving force behind the couple’s decision to step away from their royal duties and seek a more independent and lucrative life in the US.

She has also been involved in her own legal battles with the British media, notably winning a privacy case against the Mail on Sunday for publishing excerpts from a letter she wrote to her estranged father.

However, critics argue that Meghan Markle’s legal victories may have created a false sense of confidence and entitlement for the couple, leading them to believe that they could triumph in any legal battle against the press.

They also contend that the Duchess has had a negative influence on Prince Harry, resulting in his growing hostility and resentment towards his family and the media since their marriage.

Detractors of Meghan Markle also blame her for alienating Prince Harry from his loved ones, as well as from the British public who once held him in high regard as a charming and charismatic prince.

They assert that the Duchess has manipulated the Duke into adopting her divisive and controversial views and agenda.

The couple’s recent interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which they made explosive allegations of racism and neglect within the royal family, triggered a significant backlash and damaged their reputation and credibility.

Furthermore, the timing of the interview coincided with the hospitalization and subsequent passing of Prince Philip, the Duke’s grandfather.

The controversy surrounding the couple continued when they named their daughter Lilibet, after the Queen’s childhood nickname.

This decision sparked further controversy and raised doubts about their sincerity and respect for the monarch.

According to a royal expert, the Queen was reportedly furious over the name, perceiving it as an insult.

Prince Harry’s decision to drop the libel case represents another blow to the couple’s public image and financial situation, as they now face substantial legal expenses and a potential loss of public sympathy.

It also raises uncertainties about their future plans and prospects as they strive to establish themselves as independent and influential figures in the US and beyond.

Some analysts suggest that the couple may have overestimated their popularity and influence, while underestimating the challenges and consequences of their actions.

They caution that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may encounter further legal troubles and scandals in the future as they continue to clash with the media and the royal family.

The libel case could have been Prince Harry’s last opportunity to salvage his reputation and repair his relationship with the British press, but he chose to relinquish it at a considerable cost.