The Duke of Sussex had sued Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) last year, alleging that the company had used unlawful and illegal methods to target him.
However, ANL's lawyers argued that the case should be dismissed or judged in their favor without a trial, stating that the claims have no real prospects of succeeding. The publisher's barrister argued that the claims should be dismissed, as they were brought too late, and it would avoid wasting time, costs, and the court's resources.
On the other hand, Prince Harry's legal team heavily resisted ANL's move to have the case dismissed, calling it a "hopeless, plainly inappropriate and suggestive of a tactical gamble to avoid a full trial." The Duke had previously criticized ANL's "unchecked power and criminality" and called out their journalists as "criminals with journalistic powers which should concern every single one of us."
Several other high-profile names, including Sir Elton John, Liz Hurley, Sadie Frost, and Baroness Doreen Lawrence of Clarendon, are also suing ANL for the same reasons. The case is ongoing, and Prince Harry recently landed in London to show up in court for the preliminary hearing.
