- Duke of Sussex seeks £320,000 compensation in tabloid newspaper lawsuit
- Allegations of illegal activities including phone hacking and deception by MGN titles
- Court examines 33 articles as part of the trial, additional compensation possible for emotional distress
The pieces cover the duke’s family, ex-girlfriend Chelsey Davy, injuries, sicknesses, military service, and substance usage claims.
The Duke of Sussex’s solicitors say a tabloid newspaper publisher should pay £320,000 for misusing his sensitive information.
Prince Harry’s legal team estimated his damages if he wins against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN).
The duke is suing MGN for damages, alleging that journalists at its titles – the Daily and Sunday Mirror and Sunday People – were involved in illegal activities such as phone hacking, so-called “blagging” or obtaining information by deception, and the use of private investigators.
Harry asserts that 147 stories published by MGN titles between 1996 and 2010 utilized information obtained through illegal means.
The articles discuss the duke’s relationship with his family and ex-girlfriend Chelsey Davy. Also his injuries and illnesses, military service, and substance use allegations.
33 articles from 1996 to 2009 were examined during Harry’s and others’ publisher trial.
In a court document released to the media on Friday, the last day of a trial in London. The duke’s attorneys indicated he could be awarded up to £320,000 if he prevails about all 33 stories.
The duke may be awarded additional compensation if the judge, Mr. Justice Fancourt, determines that Harry is also entitled to “aggravated damages” for distress or injury to emotions caused by the nature of the alleged wrongdoing.
MGN told the court that 28 of the 33 articles were not improperly acquired and five were unsubstantiated.
Harry’s case is also being heard alongside similar allegations by actor Michael Turner, best known for his role as Kevin Webster on Coronation Street, actor Michael Le Vell, actress Nikki Sanderson, and comedian Paul Whitehouse’s ex-wife Fiona Wightman.
MGN contests the majority of the allegations and denies that any of the articles in question were the result of phone hacking, arguing that the overwhelming majority did not result from any other illegal activity.
