Prince Harry is reportedly facing a costly legal setback. According to new claims, the Duke of Sussex could be left with a multi-million-dollar bill after losing his case against the publisher of the Daily Mail. The final amount will depend on an upcoming ruling over legal costs. However, one source alleges the outcome could expose Harry to liabilities beyond what his insurance may cover. For now, the final ruling is still pending.
Prince Harry’s fortune faces new threat after losing Daily Mail case, per source
Prince Harry is among seven high-profile claimants who could face mounting legal costs after losing their case against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), the publisher of the Daily Mail. The group, which also included Sir Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley, Sadie Frost, David Furnish, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, and Sir Simon Hughes, had alleged unlawful information gathering. ANL denied those allegations, and earlier this month, the High Court dismissed the claims after an 11-week trial.
Now, the legal fight has entered a new phase. Instead of debating the claims themselves, the court is deciding who should pay the costs of the case. According to RadarOnline, ANL is asking the court to award costs on an “indemnity basis rather than the standard basis.” If that request is granted, the claimants could reportedly be liable for a much larger sum.
As a result, concerns have grown over Harry’s financial exposure. “The financial stakes are now enormous,” a legal source familiar with the proceedings told the outlet. The insider alleged the claimants’ insurance may not fully cover an indemnity costs order. “There is a real fear in some circles this could bankrupt Harry,” the source added.
However, the “Spare” author’s legal team argued against that outcome. Representing the claimants, Nicholas Bacon KC reportedly told the court that the group’s insurance cover totals about $21.7 million. According to him, that level of cover was expected to meet ANL’s legal costs. He warned, however, that an indemnity order could leave the group exposed to “many millions of pounds” beyond the available insurance.
Meanwhile, ANL defended its position. Representing the publisher, Antony White KC argued the lawsuit served “a collateral purpose” and described it as “a campaign rather than ordinary and reasonable litigation.” He also claimed the allegations were pursued too broadly.
For now, the financial outcome is uncertain. Mr. Justice Nicklin is said to issue a written ruling on legal costs in the coming weeks. Until then, the true extent of Harry’s financial liability remains unknown.
