Prince Harry and singer Elton John lost their privacy lawsuits against the Daily Mail’s publisher Tuesday.
Harry, John, and actors Sadie Frost and Elizabeth Hurley were among seven defendants who alleged that Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) published dozens of stories about them from the 1990s to 2011 in the Daily Mail based on information that was unlawfully secured, Reuters reported. They sued the publishing organization based on claims that articles were based on information obtained through the use of listening devices inside cars and homes as well as through private detectives, according to Page Six.
Judge Matthew Nicklin ruled against Harry and John, citing that they expressed suspicion but failed to prove that the information published was secured unlawfully, according to Reuters.
British Prince Harry (L) and sir Elton John attend a session about the Elton John Aids Fund on the second day of the Aids2018 conference, in Amsterdam on July 24, 2018. (Photo by Robin Utrecht / ANP / AFP via Getty Images) / Netherlands OUT
Harry alleged that published information about him was obtained through the tapping of landline phones, voicemail recordings, illegally accessed phone bills, and flight information, according to Page Six. ANL denied the accusations and said their information was properly and legally sourced.
“The court rejected the argument that, simply because information was private, and because Associated could not positively explain how it had been sourced, the relevant article must have been unlawfully sourced,” Nicklin’s summary said, according to Reuters.
The ruling concluded Harry’s years-long legal entanglement with the British press and a 10-week trial that began in January in London’s High Court. The defendants launched their legal action in October 2022, Reuters reported.
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 02: (Exclusive Coverage) Elizabeth Hurley attends the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 33rd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 02, 2025 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images)
During his emotional testimony in court, Harry described the situation as a “recurring traumatic experience.”
“I have never believed that my life is open season to be commercialized by these people,” he said, according to Page Six.
His testimony included references to his romance with Chelsy Davy between 2004 and 2010. Harry alleged the publication exploited their relationship by hacking into communications between him and his friends.
“The quote is being attributed to three strangers,” Harry alleged in reference to an article that cited personal information as obtained through “sources.” (RELATED: REPORT: Buckingham Palace Withdraws Invitation For Prince Harry To Stay At Buckingham Palace)
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – APRIL 08: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex departs after attending a Court of Appeal hearing regarding his security at the Royal Courts of Justice on April 8, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
“You are now trying to suggest that these three strangers are some of my closest friends. That does not add up. These three people have never shared anything with anybody,” he said, according to Page Six.
Harry has not publicly addressed his defeat in court.