Prince Harry will appear in London’s High Court next week to give evidence in a privacy lawsuit against the Daily Mail and Associated Newspapers. The case, brought by seven claimants including Elton John, accuses the publisher of decades of unlawful newsgathering. A key development sees private investigator Gavin Burrows recant a 2021 witness statement and allege his signature was forged, while accusations have been made against Harry’s lawyer. Proceedings begin Monday, with Harry expected to testify on Thursday; judges have urged settlement given the reported $50 million in potential legal costs.
Fraud Claims Against Prince Harry’s Lawyer Emerge Ahead Of High Court Testimony
FILE – Elton John performs on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. Elton John is scheduled to perform at the Glastonbury Festival in June, in what organizers say will be his last-ever show in Britain. The festival announced Friday, Dec. 2, 2022 that the star will play the 2023 festival’s final night on June 25 (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
Prince Harry is due to travel to London next week to give evidence in a High Court privacy action against the Daily Mail and its publisher, Associated Newspapers, but the trial has been overshadowed by fresh allegations involving members of his legal team.
Allegations and Counterclaims
Harry is one of seven claimants — including Sir Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley and Sadie Frost — who allege that journalists and private investigators working for the publisher used unlawful methods for decades to obtain private information. The group says reporters hired investigators who placed listening devices in cars, "blagged" private records and accessed private phone conversations. Associated Newspapers denies the allegations.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 23: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex are seen on April 23, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)
New Controversy Over Witness Evidence
Days before the trial was due to begin, allegations were made against Harry’s lawyer, David Sherborne, including claims that payments were made for sworn evidence and that a misleading chain of emails was manufactured. Central to the dispute is Gavin Burrows, a private investigator who had supported Harry’s case but has now withdrawn earlier evidence. Burrows has told the court that a witness statement dated August 2021 — in which he appeared to admit targeting "a large number of private individuals" over several years — was prepared by others without his knowledge. He has described the statement as "completely false" and said the signature on it is a "forgery." Burrows has also suggested he faced intimidation on the eve of the trial.
Court Reaction
The litigation is reported to be costing around $50 million in legal fees, which would be payable by the losing side, and High Court judges including Mr Justice Nicklin and Judge David Cook have urged the parties to consider settlement. Antony White KC, for Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), described the recent challenges to witness evidence as an "attack" on credibility. Mr Justice Nicklin has ordered ANL to amend its trial opening note and warned that the defendants’ "camouflage scheme" may require changes to the defence to satisfy fairness.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 11: Elizabeth Hurley speaks onstage at the “Breaking Bear” panel during New York Comic Con 2025 at The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on October 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images for ReedPop)
Timeline And Stakes
Proceedings are scheduled to begin on Monday, with Prince Harry expected to give evidence on Thursday. The outcome carries significant financial risk for the claimants if they lose, and it may also affect the couple’s security arrangements and public profile.
Wider Context
The couple are also reportedly preparing for a possible return to the U.K. if they secure government-funded protection from the bodies known as RAVEC and RMB, which previously declined to provide state security. Harry’s team have indicated the couple expect approval and are planning a visit this summer around Invictus Games meetings. Back in the U.S., the couple are winding down some charitable obligations: reports say they have transferred their Parents Network, a project supporting parents bereaved by online harm, to another organisation.
SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 08: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, attends the One805 Rock for Responders benefit at The Granada Theatre on March 08, 2025 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
Press coverage has also chronicled a challenging period for Meghan Markle in 2025, including reports that a Netflix project underperformed, disputes over photo-shoot clothing, high staff turnover among publicists and declining public approval in some polls. The couple have not retracted or apologised for allegations about the royal family made in Harry’s memoir Spare and during their Oprah Winfrey interview, which remain a source of public and media attention.
Note: This summary is based on reports from court filings and media coverage. Some allegations remain contested and will be weighed in court.
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