Prince Harry has lost his High Court privacy battle against Associated Newspapers.
The ruling came just minutes after the Duke stepped out in London for the first of his engagements during his visit to the UK this week, starting with an Invictus event at Chatham House.
Harry looked shocked and his voice was not as steady as usual as he gave a six-minute speech moments after learning he had lost his case.
The Duke of Sussex, Sir Elton John and others’ claims over alleged unlawful information gathering by Daily Mail publisher Associated Newspapers were dismissed on Tuesday following an 11-week trial earlier this year.
© Emily NashJudge Mr Justice Nicklin said that none of the group of seven had proven the allegations of unlawful information gathering.
He said in the 436-page ruling: "For the reasons given in this judgment, each of the claimants’ claims is dismissed." He said he accepted the evidence given by the Duke of Sussex at trial, with Harry in court in London in January, but concluded: " As with each of the claimants, Prince Harry has limited evidence to give on the contentious matters in dispute."
Associated Newspapers said that the High Court ruling was an "overwhelming victory" and a "magnificent vindication of the Daily Mail’s journalism".
What happened in Prince Harry's trial against Associated Newspapers?
Dozens of people gave evidence during the trial in London, including Harry, the rest of the group of household names of Liz Hurley, Sadie Frost, and Sir Simon Hughes, as well as many current or former ANL journalists and executives.
During around two hours of cross-examination in January, Harry said he could not complain about some of the 14 articles in his case at the time "because of the institution I was in".
© Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future PublisHe also said in his written evidence that "knowingly false" information was added to stories to "put me off the scent", to conceal unlawful methods, including voicemail interception.
As part of its defence, ANL said that Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday journalists provide a "compelling account of a pattern of legitimate sourcing of articles", including friends and "leaky" social circles, press officers and spokespersons, as well as previous reporting, freelance journalists and stories from other newspapers and news agencies.
The trial also heard arguments over whether the cases were brought in time, as the law states that legal action related to unlawful information-gathering must be launched within six years of someone discovering they could have a claim.
Harry's return to the UK
The decision comes after Harry returned to the UK on Monday evening ahead of five days of appearances in London and Birmingham, including marking the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games.
In his speech at Chatham House, he discussed the veterans, saying: "What brings us together is far more important than what sets us apart. Every one of us believes that those who have served their country – and in particular those whose lives have been changed by that service – deserve more than our gratitude.
© AFP via Getty Images"They deserve opportunity. The chance to redefine one’s Purpose and Identity. They deserve to truly feel our admiration and Respect. And they deserve every chance to build the life they choose beyond military service."
The Duke will not stay at Buckingham Palace during his return, with his spokesman saying on Monday that it was "disappointing" the offer from the King had been "withdrawn at the last moment", with the looming judgment given as the reason.
He is said to have acted in good faith throughout the process, spending most of last week making alternative arrangements before formally accepting the offer for himself – for a single night.
Private conversations are said to have taken place between the Duke and his father, King Charles.
