Prince Harry expected to return to UK to testify as tabloid trial begins

Prince Harry is expected to return to the United Kingdom next week to testify in a lawsuit against Associated Newspapers; a pretrial hearing on Jan. 15 addressed witness testimony and last-minute amendments.

Prince Harry is expected to return to the United Kingdom next week to give evidence in his lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited, the publisher of the Daily Mail. The visit has prompted questions about whether he will see any members of the royal family while in the UK. He is one of seven plaintiffs, including Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley, who allege illegal information-gathering by the publisher in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Lawyers for both sides met before a judge on Jan. 15 to discuss witness testimony and last-minute amendments to the case. Case facts: - Harry is expected to appear in court on Thursday, Jan. 22. - Plaintiffs allege Associated Newspapers used private investigators who placed secret listening devices inside cars and homes and paid police officials for inside information. - Associated Newspapers has consistently denied any wrongdoing. - The lawsuit names six other parties, including musician Elton John and actress Elizabeth Hurley. - In 2023 Harry testified in a phone-hacking case against Mirror Group Newspapers, which settled, apologized for "unlawful information gathering," and agreed to pay legal costs and about 300,000 pounds in damages. - Last January Harry reached a separate settlement with News Group Newspapers that included an apology for prior intrusion and payment of "substantial" damages. Summary: This lawsuit continues a series of legal actions in which Harry has challenged tabloid practices he describes as intrusions on his private life. He is scheduled to testify on Jan. 22, and the ultimate outcome of the case is undetermined at this time.