Prince Harry’s Legal Team Accused of ‘Fraud’ and ‘Dishonesty’ Ahead of High Court Hearing
Serious allegations have been made against the claimants’ team, with Harry's lawyer calling them ‘wholly objectionable.’
Prince Harry and six other public figures are scheduled to appear in court to present evidence for their case against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), the publisher of the Daily Mail and the Mail on Sunday. While early speculation focused on a possible royal reunion, eyes now turn to the scrutiny surrounding Harry's legal team. As per reports, ANL’s lawyers have made serious allegations against the claimants’ team, which includes the Duke of Sussex.
Harry has been very vocal about the media invading his privacy on several occasions, taking the matter to court. He, along with six others, which include Baroness Lawrence and Sir Elton John, is seeking compensation over allegations that the journalists hired private investigators to place listening devices in their vehicles, ‘blag’ private records, and gain access to their telephonic conversations. The trial against the publisher is taking place on January 19, with Harry expected to give evidence on January 22. However, things took a more serious turn when, as per The Telegraph, David Sherborne, barrister for the claimants, told the court that the publisher intends to advance what he described as ‘exceptionally serious’ allegations that were ‘wholly objectionable.’
Sherborne made it clear that he will oppose the release of ANL’s written opening arguments unless references to “multiple express allegations of serious wrongdoing by some of the (claimants’) legal representatives” are removed. In his written submissions, he argued that the accusations amounted to claims of “fraud, dishonesty, and professional misconduct,” stressing that such allegations can cause serious reputational damage and shouldn't be taken lightly. The Defense, he argued, suggested that solicitors were part of a so-called ‘camouflage scheme’ to hide when Sir Simon Hughes and Sadie Frost (both claimants) first knew they might have a claim. It also alleged that a solicitor and researcher “deliberately and fraudulently created a ‘misleading email chain’” and that payments were made in exchange for sworn evidence.
Sherborne argued that such allegations were made throughout the written submissions, failing to clearly explain who was being accused. He also opined that “these allegations are not pleaded... It would be grossly unfair to permit unpleaded allegations to be made against individuals.” Justice Nicklin partly agreed, suggesting that ANL’s team does need to make changes in its written submissions. “The camouflage scheme that is relied upon by the Defendant goes further than an attack on credibility,” he noted, though also adding that questions about payments to witnesses could be relevant to assessing credibility. The ruling sets clear limits ahead of what is expected to be a closely watched trial.
Along with legal entanglements, Harry's possible return to the UK has shifted focus to his familial ties as well. Reports have suggested that the Duke plans to use this time to reconnect with his father, King Charles, though the monarch is said not to share the same sentiment. The King is expected to be in Scotland during the time the Duke is reported to travel back to his home country.
