Prince Harry Loses £50 Million Lawsuit Against UK Media Group

The High Court in London has dismissed a major lawsuit filed by Prince Harry, Elton John, and several other prominent public figures against the media group that publishes the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, and MailOnline. The plaintiffs sought approximately 240 million shekels (around £50 million) in damages, alleging that the media group used illegal methods such as phone hacking, bribery, and device hacking to obtain private information for 55 articles published between 1997 and 2015.

The court ruled that the plaintiffs failed to prove that the information was obtained unlawfully. The judge emphasized that private information alone does not automatically imply illegal acquisition, noting that there are legitimate ways to obtain such data, including from social circles or official sources. The plaintiffs were found to rely too heavily on speculation rather than solid evidence.

The media group hailed the ruling as a "resounding victory" for press freedom, stating that the reputations of their diligent journalists had been unjustly tarnished and are now cleared. The judgment may leave the plaintiffs responsible for substantial legal costs, potentially amounting to the full value of the claim, approximately 240 million shekels. This decision concludes a four-year legal battle marked by serious allegations of illegal surveillance and corruption.