Prince Harry's testimony in the Daily Mail trial was marked by a defensive tone, as he disputed claims that reporters had used legitimate sources to publish revealing details about his life. Instead, he described a "leaky" social circle and suggested that journalists had engaged in "unlawful information gathering" for two decades.
The prince, dressed in a dark suit, held a small Bible in his right hand as he swore to tell the truth under oath. He provided an emotional glimpse into the toll of living in the spotlight on him and his family, stating that the media had made his wife's life "an absolute misery."
Harry claimed that his social circles were not leaky, but his curt replies and efforts to explain what it's like living under 24-hour surveillance eventually brought intervention from the judge. Justice Matthew Nicklin told Harry not to argue with the defense lawyer, saying, "You don't have to bear the burden of arguing the case today."
As the trial continued, Harry suggested that details in articles had come from eavesdropping on his phone calls or having private investigators snoop on him. He described an "uneasy" relationship with the media and stated that he had never believed his life was open season for commercialization by these people.
The litigation is part of Harry's mission to reform the media, which he blames for the death of his mother, Princess Diana, who died in 1997 while being pursued by paparazzi. He also claimed that persistent press attacks on his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, led them to leave royal life and move to the United States in 2020.
After cross-examination, Harry's lawyer asked him how he felt about the way Associated Newspapers was defending the case. In response, Harry stated that it was "fundamentally wrong to put all of us through this again" when all he wanted was an apology.
As he stepped out of the witness box and walked slowly out of the courtroom, Harry appeared to be holding back tears, choking up as he mentioned his wife, who is not a party in the case. The trial is expected to continue for nine weeks, with sources from both sides set to testify in court.
The prince, dressed in a dark suit, held a small Bible in his right hand as he swore to tell the truth under oath. He provided an emotional glimpse into the toll of living in the spotlight on him and his family, stating that the media had made his wife's life "an absolute misery."
Harry claimed that his social circles were not leaky, but his curt replies and efforts to explain what it's like living under 24-hour surveillance eventually brought intervention from the judge. Justice Matthew Nicklin told Harry not to argue with the defense lawyer, saying, "You don't have to bear the burden of arguing the case today."
As the trial continued, Harry suggested that details in articles had come from eavesdropping on his phone calls or having private investigators snoop on him. He described an "uneasy" relationship with the media and stated that he had never believed his life was open season for commercialization by these people.
The litigation is part of Harry's mission to reform the media, which he blames for the death of his mother, Princess Diana, who died in 1997 while being pursued by paparazzi. He also claimed that persistent press attacks on his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, led them to leave royal life and move to the United States in 2020.
After cross-examination, Harry's lawyer asked him how he felt about the way Associated Newspapers was defending the case. In response, Harry stated that it was "fundamentally wrong to put all of us through this again" when all he wanted was an apology.
As he stepped out of the witness box and walked slowly out of the courtroom, Harry appeared to be holding back tears, choking up as he mentioned his wife, who is not a party in the case. The trial is expected to continue for nine weeks, with sources from both sides set to testify in court.
. It feels like Harry's trying to spin his social circles as being super tight-lipped and secure, but really it just comes off as him not wanting to take responsibility for his own actions. And omg, the Bible thing? Really? 
I mean, I get that he wants to make a point about living in the spotlight, but holding up a Bible like some kinda morality play? It's a bit much, fam 
.
It's all about creating this narrative of "we're the victims" and getting sympathy from everyone. Newsflash: if you wanna reform the media, maybe start by being more open and honest yourself, Harry. 
I think it's interesting that he mentioned not believing his life was open season for commercialization - like, we get it, you're a public figure, deal with it. 
. It's like he expected us all to feel sorry for him? Newsflash, Harry: being a royal comes with scrutiny, it's part of the job 
The whole thing just felt like a PR stunt to me. I'm not buying it, and neither should the judge 
. Time for some tough questions, I say 
His struggles to speak freely about his life under 24/7 scrutiny are super relatable. As a netizen who's seen the rise of online misinformation & sensationalism, I can only imagine how draining it must be for someone like him. The way he spoke about his wife being made an "absolute misery" by the media is heartbreaking 
. It's awesome that he's taking a stand to reform the media & advocate for accountability 
. Although the trial's gonna drag on for 9 weeks, I'm rooting for Prince Harry & his mission to bring some change 
. and what's up with holding a bible like that? trying to turn this into some kind of spiritual crisis or something? 
. honestly, it just feels like he's still got some major issues to work through 
Newsflash, mate: if you wanna be a public figure, you're gonna get scrutiny. I mean, I'd rather have my personal life splashed all over the tabloids than have to deal with some boring office job where no one's watching what I do on lunch break 
. And honestly, his wife Meghan seemed pretty chill about it too, especially after leaving the royals in 2020 
... anyway gotta keep an eye on this trial, it could get ugly 
. The fact that he brought up eavesdropping and private investigators is pretty wild - you'd think those are just fantasy stuff 
. I'm curious to see how this whole trial goes down... 9 weeks is a looong time 
. Can't wait for more updates on this crazy case