Prince Harry and six other claimants, including Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley, face a potential legal bill of approximately $67 million following their unsuccessful privacy lawsuit against the publisher of the Daily Mail, Associated Newspapers. The figures represent the total potential costs for all seven claimants in the litigation.
New York City-based civil and trial attorney Nicole Brenecki stated that a future hearing will determine the exact amount recoverable and how the liability will be divided among the claimants. Brenecki described the case as "one of the most expensive media privacy actions in recent years."
While Prince Harry is not expected to bear the entire cost, royal expert Kinsey Schofield indicated that insurance is anticipated to cover a portion of the liability. However, Schofield noted that the overall legal bill appears to have exceeded available insurance coverage, necessitating the claimants to cover the difference. Schofield added that the loss "is unlikely to be cheap" and could still result in a "substantial sum" for Harry, depending on the judge's cost apportionment and the final payout from insurers. This situation serves as a reminder of the significant financial risks associated with litigation, beyond reputational damage.
A UK High Court judge ruled against Harry and the other plaintiffs, finding that they had not provided sufficient proof of unlawful information gathering. In a statement following the decision, Harry and claimant Baroness Doreen Lawrence expressed dismay, stating they sought "justice and accountability" but received neither. They criticized the judgment as a "complete reversal" of previous rulings in similar hacking claims and called the court's efforts to exonerate the Mail "shocking" and "totally unwarranted."
The claimants alleged that Associated Newspapers obtained personal information through methods including listening devices placed in cars and homes, claims the publishing company has denied. The 10-week trial began in January, during which Harry described living in "absolute misery."
Recent reports indicate that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's finances are under strain following their departure from a deal with Netflix. Prince Harry is currently in the UK for a visit, during which he is expected to meet with his father, King Charles III. However, his wife and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, remained in the United States due to security concerns, as they were denied taxpayer-funded security for the trip. Buckingham Palace also reportedly rescinded an offer for Prince Harry to stay at the palace during his solo visit.