High Court Judge Orders Prince Harry to Pay £50,000 in Legal Costs as He Ends the Year in Debt

Prince Harry has been dealt another blow as a High Court judge ordered him to pay nearly £50,000 (over $60,000) in legal costs following his failed attempt to have a case decided without a trial.

The Duke of Sussex had taken legal action against the Mail on Sunday, TMOS, over an article that claimed his PR aides had attempted to spin his dispute with the Home Office regarding the downgrading of his taxpayer-funded police protection.

In a written order, Mr Justice Nicklin stated that if the two parties couldn't agree on a sum, the legal costs would need to be assessed.

However, he directed Prince Harry to pay £48,447 as an initial payment before the end of the year.

This ruling came as a significant blow to the Duke, especially considering the timing, with Christmas just around the corner.

The judge's order also outlined a timetable for further hearings and stated that a trial was scheduled to take place between May 17th and July 31st, 2024, lasting an estimated three days.

Prince Harry had hoped to prevent the newspaper from using the defense of honest opinion and sought a ruling in his favor without a public trial.

However, Mr Justice Nicklin ruled in favor of Associated Newspapers, publisher of TMOS and the Daily Mail, stating that they had a real prospect of demonstrating that statements made on behalf of Prince Harry were misleading.

Settlement appears to be the only way for Prince Harry to salvage his reputation in this lawsuit.

However, he has repeatedly stated his unwillingness to settle.

Additionally, the decision to settle does not rest solely with him.

If a settlement is reached, it is expected to be a relatively small amount, given the defendant's superior position.

Nevertheless, Prince Harry and his wife are known for their philanthropic endeavors, so it remains to be seen how they will proceed.

Royal expert Kinsey Schofield has offered some advice to Prince Harry, cautioning him that not every battle is worth fighting.

She highlighted that this has been a challenging year for him and Meghan, and receiving a £50,000 bill from the court during the Christmas season is particularly distressing.

Schofield suggested that they reconsider their strategy going forward, emphasizing that not every slight should be documented in a book or a reality TV show.

She also pointed out the stark contrast between Prince Harry's legal battles and the charitable efforts of other members of the royal family.

As the Duke of Sussex continues to face legal challenges, it appears that he lacks self-awareness and has become increasingly resentful and paranoid.

Despite initially aiming to build a billion-dollar global brand, their image seems to have shifted towards controversy, staged paparazzi shots, and lawsuits.

It remains to be seen whether Prince Harry will reassess his approach to life in light of these recent developments.