Prince Harry has been ordered to pay more than R1 million after losing his libel case against the publishing house, Associated Newspapers. Image via Instagram (@princeharryofengland)
Prince Harry ordered to pay over R1 million after losing libel case
Prince Harry has been ordered to pay more than R1 million after losing his libel case against the publishing house, Associated Newspapers.
Prince Harry has been ordered to pay more than R1 million after losing his libel case against the publishing house, Associated Newspapers. Image via Instagram (@princeharryofengland)
The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry has been ordered to pay media publication Mail on Sunday more than R1 million after losing his attempt to strike out part of the paper’s defence in a libel case.
ALSO READ: Elon Musk spotted at football game with his three-year-old son
PRINCE HARRY ORDERED TO PAY AFTER LOSING LIBEL CASE
The prince is suing the newspaper’s publishers, Associated Newspapers, over an article that was written about Meghan and Harry’s battle with the Home Office concerning their security arrangements.
The publishing house, Associated Newspapers argued that the published article expressed and included an “honest opinion”. They further emphasised that the article did not cause “serious harm” to Prince Harry’s reputation.
Throughout his hearing Harry tried by all means to have the “honest opinion” defence thrown out, but in a judgement on Friday, 8 December a High Court judge decided that the “honest opinion” defence be included and noted that the case will go to trial.
According to Sky News, the judge, Mr Justice Nicklin, ruled the that the publisher had a “real prospect” of arguing its case and as a result, Prince Harry has been ordered to pay the newspaper’s costs of £48,44 which amounts to R 1 152 594.39. The money is to be paid by 29 December.
ALSO READ: Is Cardi B beefing with South African singer Tyla?
QUEEN ELIZABETH WANTED HARRY TO HAVE CONTINUED SECURITY
The original article was published in 2022, and detailed Prince Harry’s dispute with the Home Office decision to remove his automatic police protection after he stepped down from the working Royal Family.
A letter written by the late Queen Elizabeth was also provided as evidence in the High Court amid Harry’s current libel lawsuit.
According to The Sunday Times the late Queen noted in her letter that it was “imperative” that the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle “continue to be provided with effective security” against “extremists”.
“You will understand well that ensuring that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain safe is of paramount importance to Her Majesty and her family”, the letter read.
ALSO READ: ‘It’s so weird being single’: Britney Spears reflects on her love life
