Prince Harry has been dealt a major blow in his legal battle against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), the publisher of the Mail on Sunday and the Daily Mail.
According to Express, a High Court judge ruled that ANL could rely on a “honest opinion” defense in Harry’s libel lawsuit over an article about his separate High Court battle with the UK Home Office regarding security arrangements when visiting Britain.
As a result of losing this court challenge, Harry must now pay £50,000 ($60,000) towards ANL’s legal costs by December 29th. This caps off a difficult year for the Duke of Sussex, who has faced public criticism over his lawsuits and struggles to pay security costs on trips back home
Royal expert Kinsey Schofield warned Harry that “not every battle is worth it” and hoped the Sussexes would “change their strategy moving forward.” She noted this legal bill comes at a “horrible time of year” and emphasized the challenges Harry has faced in 2023.
Harry is suing ANL over a Mail on Sunday article from February 2022 that discussed his legal fight with the Home Office. Harry claims the article damaged his reputation by accusing him of trying to mislead and confuse the public regarding his attempts to fund police protection in the UK
ANL argued the article reflected an honest opinion and that Harry’s statements were misleading “spin.” The judge agreed, ruling the publisher could rely on this defense and take the case to trial next year.
The ruling means Harry must now pay a portion of the publisher’s legal fees. While the £50,000 bill is substantial on its own, it pales in comparison to the estimated £1.2 million ($1.5 million) in fees Harry has already spent on the case.
This legal setback caps off a difficult 2023 for Prince Harry. He has faced criticism over revelations in his memoir Spare, including private conversations with his brother William. The Sussexes’ Netflix documentary series also received mixed reviews.
On top of reputational damage, Harry faces financial struggles as well. He and Meghan have an estimated $28 million debt after signing major media deals that have yet to pay off. Security costs also continue plaguing the couple, as Harry fights the Home Office in court for police protection while visiting Britain.
With this context, royal expert Kinsey Schofield’s warning seems apt – “not every battle is worth it.” Harry pursuing extensive litigation has consequences, both financial and otherwise. As Schofield notes, receiving a £50,000 legal bill just before Christmas is undoubtedly horrible timing.
While Prince Harry lost this court challenge, his broader libel lawsuit against ANL will still proceed to trial next year. Mr. Justice Nicklin made clear the publisher has a viable defense in claiming Harry’s statements were misleading.
Nonetheless, Harry seems determined to hold media outlets accountable for coverage he considers inaccurate or intrusive. It remains to be seen whether further litigation will succeed in improving the Sussexes’ treatment by the British press.
As 2023 draws to a close, Prince Harry faces a number of open questions. How will he pay this looming £50,000 legal bill? Will additional revelations from his memoir or Netflix deal improve public perception? Can he reach an agreement with the Home Office over security arrangements for future UK trips?
For now, royal watchers are left analyzing Harry’s legal struggles and speculating on what 2024 may hold for the embattled Duke and Duchess of Sussex. One thing is clear – with extensive debts still lingering, the couple cannot afford many more financial blows like this £50,000 tab. Heeding warnings about choosing battles carefully seems wise advice as Harry and Meghan chart their future course
