After around seven weeks, the taking of evidence in the legal dispute between Prince Harry (38) and three other people against the Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) ended last Friday (June 30). According to the British media, including “The Guardian” and “BBC News”, the royal’s claim for damages was also announced on the final day. Accordingly, Prince Harry wants 440,000 British pounds (equivalent to around 500,000 euros) from MGN for the invasion of his privacy.
Initially, Harry’s lawyers are said to have assumed compensation of £320,000. However, this sum has recently increased by 120,000 pounds after further allegations of illegal information gathering. Harry is a co-plaintiff and accuses the publisher of having obtained information illegally. For example, his phone was hacked and secretly bugged.
Harry alleges that around 140 articles published between 1996 and 2010 contained information gathered through illegitimate methods. 33 of these articles were selected to be considered in the process. Among other things, these revolved around his ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy (37), his late mother Diana (1961-1997) and his former drug use, which he recently reported in his autobiography “Reserve”.
At the beginning of June this year, Prince Harry appeared in person for questioning before the Supreme Court in London. Meanwhile, MGN denies all allegations. The publisher also alleges that some of the plaintiffs filed their lawsuits too late.
According to the reports, it is not yet clear when a verdict is to be expected. However, it could still be months before the responsible judge makes a decision, it is said.
