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Prince Harry’s Phone Hacking Claims: Mirror Group Newspapers Faces Trial
Mirror Group Newspapers (MGM) is currently embroiled in a high-profile trial defending itself against allegations of unlawfully gathering information through phone hacking and other illicit means.
Notable figures, including Prince Harry, Sir Elton John, David Furnish, Elizabeth Hurley, Sadie Frost, and Doreen Lawrence, are suing the UK publisher for invading their privacy.
Prince Harry's testimony as a witness in June marked a historic moment, as it was the first time a member of the British Royalty has taken to the stand since the 19th century.
During the trial at the High Court, the claimants accused MGM of accessing private information unlawfully between 1991 and 2011.
David Sherbourne, the lawyer representing Prince Harry, strongly condemned the defendant's actions, stating that the methods used were appallingly unlawful and illegal.
He emphasized that no one should have been subjected to such invasive practices.
While MGM contests these allegations, documents submitted to the London High Court reveal that the publisher admitted to using a private investigator to unlawfully gather information in 2004.
In light of this admission, MGM issued an apology to Prince Harry, acknowledging that he is entitled to appropriate compensation.
However, during the court proceedings, MGM's lawyers argued that the Prince should receive a mere £500 in damages, significantly less than the £200,000 he is seeking.
According to Andrew Green, MGM's lawyer, the Duke of Sussex himself admitted on multiple occasions that the supposedly private information he complains about had already been extensively published by other media outlets or disclosed by palace spokespeople.
Green claimed that Prince Harry's claim against MGM was exaggerated and lacked substantial evidence.
He further suggested that the Prince's legal action was primarily aimed at reforming the British media.
While expressing sympathy for Prince Harry's difficult experiences with the press, MGM's lawyers redirected blame and argued that the Prince was unfairly targeting their client.
In their closing submission, they emphasized that the Prince's claim was overstated and baseless.
They asserted that he sought to hold one element of the tabloid press accountable for intrusion, while blaming the entire press industry.
During the trial, the High Court heard arguments regarding the compensation Prince Harry should receive for the hacking claims.
MGM argued that he should only be awarded £500 for the nightclub incident where his private information was unlawfully obtained.
The publisher accepted responsibility for this isolated incident and offered an apology.
However, MGM's barrister, KC Andrew Green, contended that the rest of Prince Harry's case should be dismissed.
The trial, which has lasted seven weeks, has undoubtedly incurred significant legal costs for both parties involved.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry's public image seems to have suffered, as indicated by recent popularity polls.
A YouGov poll revealed that 63% of the British population actively dislikes him, while an even higher percentage, 65%, wants nothing to do with Meghan Markle.
This unfavorable sentiment poses a challenge for Prince Harry, as his financial independence relies on his ability to generate income.
As the trial continues, the outcome remains uncertain.
Mirror Group Newspapers faces the task of defending itself against serious allegations, while Prince Harry seeks justice and aims to address media reform.
