Meghan Markle Fumes at Prince Harry Over £50K Payment in Libel Battle: A Terrible Year for the Sussexes

On Monday, a High Court judge ordered Prince Harry to pay approximately £50,000 (over $60,000) in legal fees to the Daily Mail's publisher, Associated Newspapers Limited, following a setback in his libel lawsuit. Harry is suing the publisher over an article alleging that he attempted to secretly maintain publicly funded security in the UK after stepping back from royal duties. Justice Matthew Nicklin, ruling on the matter, stated that the publisher might convincingly argue that statements from Harry's side were misleading, and the article, published in February 2022, was an expression of honest opinion rather than falsehoods. Nicklin highlighted the possibility of the defense presenting this as "a master class in the art of spinning."

The judge also scheduled a 3-4 day libel trial between May 17th and July 31st. The £50,000 payment ordered to be made by December 29th could be minor compared to legal fees in another lawsuit Harry has against the publisher. This development has sparked criticism, with Lady Colin Campbell telling GB News that Harry should reconsider his approach towards the press and his penchant for litigation, describing him as a "vexatious litigant" who needs to adjust his attitude.

Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield expressed to the Daily Express that not every battle is worth fighting, noting this has been a difficult year for Harry and Meghan. She remarked on the poor timing of receiving a hefty court bill around Christmas and suggested a change in strategy. She contrasted Harry's ongoing legal battles with the more charitable actions of the Prince and Princess of Wales, noting the discrepancy in public perception.

Furthermore, there's growing skepticism about the future of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's brand, particularly in Hollywood. Crisis manager Mark Borkowski told Mail Online that he believes the Sussexes' strategies, including Meghan's attempted Hollywood comeback, are failing. Borkowski speculated that their talent agency, William Morris Endeavor (WME), might reconsider their relationship with the couple. He predicted that 2024 could be a pivotal year for the Sussexes, either marking a recovery with a new positive approach or leading to the undoing of their brand. Borkowski emphasized the current situation's untenability, suggesting significant changes are imminent.