Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are intensifying their legal fight against UK tabloids, with both royals filing lawsuits against major media organizations. Meghan recently took legal action against The Mail on Sunday and its parent company, Associated Newspapers, for publishing a private letter she wrote—an act she claims was a breach of her privacy.
Just days after Meghan’s lawsuit became public, it was revealed that Prince Harry has also launched his own legal battle, this time against Rupert Murdoch’s The Sun and The Daily Mirror. The Duke of Sussex’s claim, filed on September 27, alleges that his voicemails were illegally intercepted, a serious accusation that echoes past media scandals.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the lawsuit, though details remain sealed. Prince Harry has been a vocal critic of certain sections of the British press, often speaking out against what he describes as relentless media harassment. Shortly after Meghan’s lawsuit was made public, the Duke took to social media, calling out unethical press practices and the harmful impact of intrusive journalism.
The lawsuit against The Daily Mirror and its parent company, Reach PLC, has raised eyebrows, particularly as the company claimed it had not been officially notified of the case. However, representatives from Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers confirmed that a claim had been filed, though they declined to comment further.
Prince Harry’s lawsuit brings back memories of the phone hacking scandal that rocked British media more than a decade ago. The scandal led to the 2011 closure of News of the World, a tabloid that had been caught illegally accessing the private communications of celebrities, politicians, and even crime victims.
Reports suggest that Harry’s legal claim includes two separate cases of confidential information breaches, dating back years. During this period, UK tabloids were accused of hacking into the personal communications of high-profile individuals, including members of the royal family.
The Murdoch media empire has faced immense scrutiny in the past, with over $500 million spent on legal fees and settlements linked to phone hacking cases. Prince Harry’s lawsuit could once again put media accountability under the spotlight, raising critical questions about the ethics of tabloid journalism.
Prince Harry has enlisted David Sherborne, a top UK barrister known for handling high-profile phone hacking cases. His legal team also includes Clintons LLP, a firm specializing in media law. Sherborne has previously represented celebrities like Hugh Grant, who has been a strong advocate for media reform after being targeted by tabloid phone hacking.
Meanwhile, Piers Morgan, a former editor of The Daily Mirror and one of Meghan’s most outspoken critics, has also weighed in on the lawsuit. Morgan has faced his own share of controversies regarding journalistic integrity, making his commentary on the case particularly notable.
This legal battle isn't just about Harry and Meghan—it raises broader questions about media ethics, press accountability, and the right to privacy. The couple has repeatedly spoken about the mental and emotional toll of media intrusion, arguing that journalists should uphold ethical standards rather than chasing sensational headlines at any cost.
As the lawsuits unfold, they could set important legal precedents for how the media interacts with public figures. If successful, the cases might lead to stricter regulations on press behavior and stronger privacy protections for individuals in the public eye.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s lawsuits against The Mail on Sunday, The Sun, and The Daily Mirror mark a turning point in their fight for privacy. Beyond their personal grievances, their cases could reshape the media landscape and influence how journalism balances public interest with personal privacy.
With the world watching, these legal battles could have lasting implications for press freedom, celebrity privacy, and media accountability—potentially changing the way tabloids operate for years to come.
