(MENAFN) Britain's Prince Harry made an unexpected appearance at the U.K. High Court on Monday as legal proceedings began in a privacy case against the Associated Newspapers group, which publishes the Daily Mail tabloid. Harry, who now resides in California, is one of several high-profile figures, including singer Elton John, who are suing the newspaper group for alleged breaches of privacy.
According to an October 2022 statement from Hamlins, the law firm representing the group, the litigants claim to have "highly distressing evidence that they have been the victims of abhorrent criminal activity and gross breaches of privacy by Associated Newspapers." The alleged breaches of privacy include hacking of cell phone messages, deceitfully obtaining medical records, bribing police officials, and illegally accessing bank records.
Associated Newspapers has denied the allegations, calling them "preposterous smears" and "unsubstantiated and highly defamatory claims," according to the BBC. The legal battle is expected to be a high-profile and contentious one, with both sides heavily invested in the outcome.
This is not the first time that Prince Harry has been involved in a legal dispute with Associated Newspapers. He previously filed a libel suit against the Mail on Sunday tabloid over an article titled "Revealed: How Harry tried to keep his legal fight over bodyguards secret." Two years ago, he also accepted an apology and damages from the publisher over other articles in a separate libel lawsuit.
The case highlights the ongoing tension between the media and public figures, particularly in the age of social media and instant news. The privacy of public figures is increasingly under threat, and legal action is becoming more common in response to breaches of privacy. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the media industry and the public's right to privacy.
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