Prince Harry has given a stark and emotional insight into what Meghan Markle is said to have endured as a result of alleged unlawful invasions of privacy.
The Duke of Sussex shared deeply personal details about his life as a working royal while giving evidence at the High Court today.
Harry appeared visibly emotional as he concluded his testimony in his case against the publisher of the Daily Mail this afternoon.
Prince Harry speaks out about the impact privacy invasion has had on Meghan Markle
During his evidence, Harry spoke candidly about the “paranoia” he says he developed as a result of what he alleges were repeated intrusions into his private life by publishers. He also described the profound toll this had taken on Meghan Markle.
Prince Harry is one of several high-profile figures bringing claims against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL). Others involved include Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish.
Campaigner Baroness Doreen Lawrence, politician Sir Simon Hughes, and actors Sadie Frost and Elizabeth Hurley are also amongst the group.
The group allege unlawful information gathering by ANL. This includes claims that journalists obtained material through illegal means, such as phone tapping and blagging private records.
ANL has denied all wrongdoing.
Antony White KC, representing Associated Newspapers, told the High Court that journalists could demonstrate they relied on legitimate sources. He also suggested that some of the claimants had friends who leaked information to the press.
Prince Harry testifies
Responding to the suggestion of leaks from his inner circle, Harry was clear in his denial.
“My social circles were not leaky, I want to make that absolutely clear,” he reportedly told the court, as reported by the BBC.
During his two-and-a-half-hour appearance on the witness stand, Harry said it was “disgusting” to hear the Daily Mail publisher claim “”
’‘’
“”“”
’“”
‘’
“”“”
“”
‘’
“”
“
“‘’”
“”“”
“”
“”“”
“”