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Why Prince Harry faces an agonising wait over landmark court case

The Duke of Sussex faces a long wait over his hacking trial case and here's why


Prince Harry looks serious in the sun
Rachel Avery
Homes Editor
On 12 June 2023
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Prince Harry, 38, appeared in the High Court last week on Tuesday and Wednesday, to give evidence in the case against Mirror Group Newspapers, making claims of unlawful obtaining of information via phone hacking.

The Duke of Sussex was in the UK for a few days, but here's why he faces a very long wait before he'll find out if his battle against the press has been won…

WATCH: Prince Harry says just one word to press as he arrives in court

The trial is currently continuing with other witnesses being called to the stands, such as Coronation Street actress Nikki Sanderson.

The court case itself is expected to finalise at some point in June but then the judge, Mr Justice Fancourt can spend months weighing up the evidence before delivering a verdict, so it could be after summer when a conclusion is met.

Prince Harry waves to cameras © Getty Images
Prince Harry waved to cameras before he entered court

Last week, the barrister asked Harry if he would be “disappointed” if the court finds his phone was not hacked, and to that Harry replied: "To have a decision against me and any of the other people [bringing a claim], given that Mirror Group have admitted hacking, yes, it would feel some injustice… if it wasn't accepted.”

After cross-examination, Mr Sherborne asked Harry: "Finally, Prince Harry, you have been in that witness box for over a day and a half.

Prince Harry with paperwork outside court
Prince Harry with paperwork outside court

"You have had to go through these articles and answer questions knowing this is a very public courtroom and the world’s media are watching, how has that made you feel?"

Harry paused, looked emotional and eventually answered: "Erm, it’s a lot."

STORY: Prince William issues personal thanks amid 'difficult conditions'

Prince Harry looking downcast at court © James Whatling
Prince Harry faces a long wait

What revelations did Prince Harry make in court?

Harry's relationship with former girlfriend Chelsy Davy was a topic that came up frequently, and he spoke about its breakdown. "These kinds of articles made me feel as though my relationship with Chelsy was always set to be doomed," he said. 

READ: Charles Spencer reveals 'strange' coincidence about Princess Diana's childhood home after her death

Chelsy Davy in navy dress and headpiece © Getty
Harry's ex Chelsy Davy came up in court

"Ultimately, these factors led her to make the decision that a Royal life was not for her, which was incredibly upsetting for me at the time." he continued.

He also spoke about being paranoid: "I now realise that my acute paranoia of being constantly under surveillance was not misplaced after all," after talking about payments made to private investigators used to gather information on him. 

READ: Prince Harry’s sweet gesture during flight home from London court appearance revealed

princess diana walking harry william© Photo: Getty Images
Harry said he had an understanding for how his mum must have felt

Harry also drew parallels between his experience and his mother Princess Diana's. "I've always heard people refer to my mother as paranoid, but she wasn’t. She was fearful of what was actually happening to her and now I know that I was the same," he told the court. 

meghan door
The Sussexes have a beautiful US home

Harry is now back stateside, reunited with his wife Meghan Markle and children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The family reside in a vast estate in Montecito and it's the most idyllic place to raise little ones. The property comes complete with a large playpark, outdoor pool and plenty of space to roam free.

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