Core Allegations Presented to the Court
Sherborne alleged that, over nearly two decades—from 1993 to 2011—senior journalists and executives at Mail titles systematically relied on private investigators and so-called “blaggers,” who used deception to extract confidential information. According to the claim, these methods included bugging cars, intercepting voicemails, and unlawfully accessing private medical and financial records.
He further claimed that ANL had deliberately concealed wrongdoing, telling the court the company had “skeletons in the closet” and had adopted a “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil” approach during the 2012 Leveson Inquiry into press ethics.
One of the most serious accusations involved the alleged “mass destruction” of emails dating from before 2004, alongside unexplained gaps in documentation that, Sherborne argued, could have substantiated the claims against the publisher.
Impact on Prince Harry
In his witness statement, Prince Harry said the alleged intrusions had a profound psychological impact. He described becoming “paranoid beyond belief,” adding that the experience bred deep distrust and suspicion that ultimately left him isolated from friends and family.
ANL’s Firm Denial
Associated Newspapers has strongly rejected all accusations, dismissing them as “preposterous smears” and “lurid” claims without merit.
The publisher maintains that the contested articles were produced through responsible journalism and based on legitimate sources, including information obtained from “leaky” social circles surrounding high-profile individuals.
ANL’s defense lawyer, Antony White KC, told the court that the case rests on speculation rather than proof, arguing the allegations are unsupported by evidence and rely largely on assumptions drawn from payments made to private investigators.
Trial Background and What Comes Next
Prince Harry is one of seven prominent claimants in the case, joined by Sir Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley, Sadie Frost, David Furnish, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, and Sir Simon Hughes.
The trial is expected to run for nine weeks under Mr. Justice Nicklin. Prince Harry is scheduled to give evidence in person on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
