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Prince Harry and six other high-profile figures must pay millions in legal costs after losing privacy case against Daily Mail

Prince Harry and a group of six other high-profile figures, including Sir Elton John and Liz Hurley, have been ordered to pay an initial payment of £9.54m in legal costs to the publisher of the Daily Mail. This ruling follows the dismissal of a privacy case where the claimants failed to prove allegations of unlawful information-gathering by Associated Newspapers Limited. Judge Mr Justice Nicklin ruled that the group could potentially face a total bill of up to £34.5m, though he noted the costs were potentially excessive. Because the claimants' insurance only covers up to £16.2m, the Duke of Sussex and his companions could face a shortfall of approximately £18m. The publisher described the ruling as a devastating critique of their defense. The claimants, including Sir Simon Hughes, expressed disappointment with the judgment, calling it a whitewash. Prince Harry and Baroness Doreen Lawrence stated they sought justice and accountability but received neither. The group has until 2 October to decide whether to launch an appeals process.

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