Prince Harry has accepted an apology and damages from Associated Newspapers, the publisher of The Mail on Sunday and MailOnline, over two libelous articles published in October 2020. The articles falsely claimed that the Duke of Sussex had snubbed the Royal Marines after stepping down as a senior royal and had not been in contact with them since March of that year.
The lawsuit centered around two specific articles published by The Mail on Sunday and MailOnline that alleged Prince Harry had neglected his duties and communication with the Royal Marines after his departure from royal life. The articles further suggested that military leaders were considering replacing him as Captain General of the Royal Marines, a position he held with great pride.
Prince Harry arriving at Buckingham Palace in January 2020, prior to his departure from royal duties. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)
These claims directly contradicted Prince Harry’s decade of service in the British Army and his ongoing commitment to the military community. His legal team argued that the articles not only damaged his reputation but also undermined his credibility with veterans, causing him significant distress. The Duke of Sussex emphasized his unwavering dedication to the armed forces, past and present.
The articles emerged during a period of significant transition for Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle. The couple had stepped down as working royals in early 2019 and relocated to the United States. As part of this transition, Prince Harry’s honorary military titles were temporarily suspended pending a review by the monarchy, scheduled for March 2021. The timing of the articles added fuel to the already intense public scrutiny surrounding the couple’s departure.
Jenny Afia, representing Prince Harry, stated that Associated Newspapers acknowledged the falsity of the allegations. She characterized the articles as “baseless, false, and defamatory,” emphasizing the personal attack on the Duke’s character and the unwarranted questioning of his service to the United Kingdom. She reiterated Prince Harry’s pride in his ten years of service in the British armed forces and his continued active engagement with the military community.
Following the remote hearing, a spokesperson for Prince Harry reaffirmed his “unquestionable” commitment to the military community. This commitment is further underscored by his decision to donate the damages awarded in the case to the Invictus Games Foundation, a charity he founded to support wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women.
While The Mail on Sunday issued an apology in December 2020, it proved insufficient to prevent the lawsuit from proceeding. The amount of the damages awarded has not been publicly disclosed. This libel case is separate from Meghan Markle’s ongoing legal action against Associated Newspapers for invasion of privacy and copyright infringement related to the publication of portions of a letter she wrote to her father.
This legal victory for Prince Harry underscores the importance of accurate reporting and responsible journalism, particularly when it comes to matters of public service and national pride. The Duke’s commitment to the military community remains steadfast, and his dedication to supporting veterans through the Invictus Games Foundation is a testament to his enduring connection to the armed forces.
The case also highlights the challenges faced by public figures in protecting their reputation against misleading and damaging media narratives. Prince Harry’s success in this lawsuit sends a strong message about the accountability of media outlets and the right to challenge false and defamatory reporting. His actions demonstrate a determination to uphold the truth and protect his legacy of service.
The outcome of this case serves as a reminder of the power of libel law to rectify inaccurate and harmful publications. It also reinforces the importance of media organizations verifying information before publication and avoiding sensationalized reporting that can unfairly tarnish an individual’s reputation. Prince Harry’s victory is a significant step in holding the media accountable for responsible journalism and upholding the principles of truth and accuracy. His decision to donate the damages to the Invictus Games Foundation further emphasizes his commitment to supporting veterans and using his platform to make a positive impact.
