Prince Harry returned to a London courtroom for the second day of his testimony against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), marking a historic moment as the first senior British royal to testify in court in over a century. The Duke of Sussex, alongside other high-profile figures, alleges that MGN engaged in unlawful information gathering, including phone hacking, to fuel sensationalized stories in their tabloids.
The courtroom drama unfolded as MGN’s attorney, Andrew Green, continued his cross-examination, scrutinizing Harry’s witness statement for inconsistencies. Green highlighted specific details published by MGN publications, suggesting they were obtained through legitimate journalistic practices rather than illicit means. He pointed to royal press releases, public appearances, and information shared by sources as evidence.
However, Harry stood firm in his accusations, asserting that the scale of phone hacking within the tabloid industry was “industrial.” He expressed his belief that the intrusive articles published about his life, including details about his relationships and private moments, could only have been obtained through illegal methods.
One of the most poignant moments of the testimony came as Harry spoke about the relentless harassment his mother, Princess Diana, endured at the hands of the paparazzi. He claimed that journalists had hacked his mother’s phone, contributing to the hounding and intrusion that plagued her life and ultimately played a role in her tragic death.
The courtroom battle has ignited a debate about press freedom versus privacy rights, with Harry emerging as a vocal critic of what he calls the British tabloid press’s unethical and often destructive practices. His testimony has provided a rare glimpse into the personal toll of constant media scrutiny and the lengths to which some publications allegedly went to secure exclusive stories.
The case continues to unfold, with the judge expected to rule on whether MGN engaged in unlawful information gathering in the coming weeks. Regardless of the outcome, Prince Harry’s decision to break royal precedent and pursue legal action against a major media organization represents a significant moment in the ongoing struggle between the press and public figures.
