Key details of Duke of Sussex’s legal battle emerge, including sensational costs and trial date

On November 27, 2024By Littum

Prince Harry’s High Court claim against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) is expected to be heard in January 2026, with the total legal costs expected to exceed £38 million.

The case, which involves several high profile people along with the Duke of Sussex, was given a provisional trial date of January 14, 2026 by Mr. Justice Nicklin at a preliminary hearing on Tuesday.

The total legal costs for both parties are budgeted at more than £38 million, with the claimants’ costs reaching £18.4 million and ANL’s costs amounting to £19.85 million.

Lady Doreen Lawrence was present at the hearing where these details were revealed.

Prince Harry’s High Court claim against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) is expected to be heard in January 2026, with the total legal costs expected to exceed £38m.

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The Duke of Sussex, 40, is part of a group including Sir Elton John, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Sadie Frost and Liz Hurley who are bringing the case.

The plaintiffs accuse ANL of carrying out or carrying out various illegal activities.

These alleged activities include placing listening devices inside cars and accessing private telephone conversations.

The group also alleges that the publisher was involved in hiring private investigators, extorting private records and ordering burglaries.

The case, which involves several high-profile individuals along with the Duke of Sussex, was given a tentative trial date of January 14, 2026.

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In Harry’s specific case, he claims the publisher targeted him by illegally hacking voicemails and tapping landlines.

He also accuses ANL of obtaining itemized phone bills and flight details relating to his former girlfriend, Chelsy Davy.

ANL strongly denies all claims, describing them as “outrageous” and “simply absurd”.

In Harry’s specific case, he claims the publisher targeted him by illegally hacking voicemails and tapping landlines.

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The publisher has previously tried to have the case dismissed, claiming that it had been brought “much too late”.

However, the judge ruled last November that the challenge could continue.

Prince Harry attended a preliminary hearing for the case at the Royal Courts of Justice in London in March 2023.

Justice Nicklin stressed the importance of moving the case forward to trial, although he noted that the January 2026 date remains a “target” that is subject to change.