Prince Harry may need financial assistance from friends to cover millions of dollars in legal fees after losing a privacy case against Associated Newspapers Ltd., according to sources. The Duke of Sussex was informed of the court's decision on Tuesday, just before a meeting in London.
In the privacy case, Harry and other claimants sued Associated Newspapers over allegations of unlawful information gathering. A judge ruled against them, stating that suspicion alone is not proof, and the stories could have originated from legitimate sources. The publisher's legal costs could amount to approximately £50 million, with the final amount to be determined by the presiding judge. Harry and the other claimants have 14 days to pay up to 90% of these costs after the judge finalizes the order later this month, even if they seek to appeal.
Sources told Page Six that Harry does not possess the funds to cover these expenses. Legal experts suggest that litigation insurers might withdraw coverage, potentially making the claimants personally liable. One legal source indicated that the individuals and groups funding the case, such as the estate of the late Max Mosley and the campaign group Hacked Off, may help with the costs. Another possibility raised is that close friends, like singer Elton John, who is described as being extremely close to Harry, could provide financial support. John, who performed at Harry and Meghan Markle's 2018 wedding, has a reported personal fortune of $640 million.
Meghan Markle is reportedly unhappy about the legal fees, having been against Harry pursuing the case. The couple faces significant annual expenses, including around $3 million for security and mortgage payments on their California home. Their earning potential has also come under scrutiny following the loss of their exclusive Netflix production deal, though they retain a first-look deal with the streamer. Their production company, Archewell, has several film projects listed as "in development."
Prince Harry's week included a reunion with his father, King Charles, and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House, his father's country estate. His children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, were present for the meeting, marking the first time they had seen their grandfather in four years. This reunion occurred shortly after Harry's legal defeat and amidst reports of palace operational issues regarding his accommodation at Buckingham Palace.
During his UK visit, Harry also visited Birmingham Children's Hospital and participated in events to promote the Invictus Games, scheduled to be held in Birmingham in 2027. He did not see his estranged brother, Prince William, who was attending a polo match in Windsor with Kate Middleton during the same week.
Harry has previously spoken about relying on money left by his mother, Princess Diana, after being financially cut off by his family in March 2020, following the Sussexes' step down as working royals. While Meghan Markle is considered the primary breadwinner, her lifestyle brand, As Ever, has a limited product range, and sales figures for the private company are not publicly available.