Prince Harry is returning to the UK for another high-profile court case—alone. Having already made history in June 2023 as the first senior royal in more than 130 years to testify in court, he now faces his second appearance in the witness box.
The case involves his ongoing legal battle against Associated Newspapers over allegations of unlawful information gathering spanning three decades.
As Harry prepares for this pivotal moment, his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Archie and Lilibet, remain thousands of miles away in California.
A Divided Family
As Prince Harry prepares for his legal battle in London, his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Archie and Lilibet, will remain in California.
This continuing separation reflects the growing distance within the royal family. Meghan’s decision not to accompany Harry underscores the complexity of their relationship with the British monarchy.
The Long Legal Battle
Prince Harry’s legal fight against the media has been ongoing for years. The case against Associated Newspapers involves claims of unlawful information gathering that spans over three decades.
Harry is joined by six other high-profile figures, including Sir Elton John, David Furnish (Elton John’s husband), Elizabeth Hurley (actress), Sadie Frost (actress), Baroness Doreen Lawrence (campaigner), and Sir Simon Hughes (former MP), who also seek justice for similar offenses.
Allegations Against ANL
Associated Newspapers allegedly engaged in phone hacking, landline tapping, hiring private investigators to place listening devices, and accessing private phone conversations.
These activities allegedly span from 1993 to 2011, with claims extending to 2018. The publisher vigorously denies all allegations, calling them “preposterous smears.”
Harry’s Previous Victory
In June 2023, Harry won his case against Mirror Group Newspapers, receiving £140,600 in damages. The court found his phone had been hacked “to a modest extent” between 2003 and 2009.
The victory established a precedent for media accountability and demonstrated his determination to challenge the press.
News Group Settlement (2025)
In January 2025, Harry settled his lawsuit against News Group Newspapers (Rupert Murdoch’s UK newspaper group) just before a 10-week trial began.
The settlement included substantial damages and an official apology for unlawful intrusion between 1996 and 2011. This was his third major victory in his media accountability campaign.
Family Separation
While Harry returns to London for his trial, Meghan Markle and their children, Archie and Lilibet, remain in California.
This continued separation underscores the deepening rift between the Sussexes and the British royal family. The family’s geographic and emotional distance reflects broader tensions within the monarchy.
Children’s Last UK Visit
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet last visited the United Kingdom in June 2022 for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Nearly four years have passed since they set foot in the UK. The extended absence highlights the children’s disconnection from their British royal heritage and cousins.
Meghan’s Last Visit
Meghan Markle last visited the United Kingdom in September 2022 for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. Over three and a half years have elapsed since her departure.
This prolonged absence underscores the geographic and personal distance between the Duchess and the royal family, marking one of the longest separations for a former senior royal.
Limited Royal Connection
King Charles has only met his granddaughter Lilibet once—during the June 2022 Platinum Jubilee when she was an infant. He has not seen Archie in over three and a half years.
This unprecedented distance between the reigning monarch and his grandchildren represents a significant break from traditional royal family engagement patterns.
Harry’s Courtroom Return
Prince Harry is scheduled to testify at London’s High Court on Thursday, January 22, 2026. His testimony will span a full day as he responds to questions from both his legal team and Associated Newspapers’ attorneys.
This marks his second historic court appearance in three years, cementing his role as a transformative figure in royal accountability.
Nine-Week Trial Schedule
The trial commenced on January 19, 2026, and will run for nine weeks. Harry testifies on January 22. Sir Elton John and David Furnish are scheduled to give evidence in February, though they have requested to testify remotely. Other claimants will present testimony throughout the proceedings at the London High Court.
Three Decades of Misconduct
The allegations against Associated Newspapers span three decades of alleged unlawful information gathering.
From 1993 onwards, the claimants contend that the publisher engaged in systematic efforts to obtain private information through illegal means. This represents one of the longest-running tabloid scandal timelines in British legal history.
Barrister David Sherborne
David Sherborne leads the legal team representing all seven claimants. He has represented Harry in previous cases and played a significant role in a public inquiry into media misconduct.
Sherborne must convince the court that Associated employed illicit methods to gather stories about the claimants, establishing patterns of systematic wrongdoing.
Associated’s Response
Associated Newspapers vigorously denies all allegations, characterizing them as “preposterous smears” against its journalists.
The publisher’s legal team argues the information was lawfully acquired and that no payments were made for unlawful phone-hacking. They claim the lawsuit represents a concerted campaign by press critics against the Daily Mail.
Broader Media Ethics
This case highlights critical issues surrounding media ethics and the treatment of public figures. The Sussexes have raised important questions about press influence on public opinion and the harm caused by sensationalist coverage.
A victory could set a significant precedent for how UK tabloids handle privacy matters and journalistic standards going forward.
Royal Family Impact
The Sussexes’ legal battles challenge the monarchy’s traditional relationship with the media. Their actions have sparked global discussion about royal relevance in the modern age.
The family’s public absence from royal events and geographic separation marks a significant shift in generational continuity within the institution.
Accountability Campaign
Harry has characterized his legal efforts as a mission to rid the British press of senior executives and editors who have abused their power.
This case against Associated Newspapers is the last remaining lawsuit in his campaign against UK media organizations since 2019. It represents his sustained commitment to holding the press accountable for decades of misconduct.
Looking Ahead
As the nine-week trial unfolds at London’s High Court, Prince Harry’s testimony will once again challenge royal convention and media power.
The outcome could reshape how UK media organizations approach coverage of public figures and protect privacy rights. This case marks a transformative moment in both royal history and British press accountability.
Sources:
Reuters Jan 2026 Prince Harry Daily Mail trial coverage
BBC Jun 2022 King Charles meets Lilibet Platinum Jubilee
BBC Sep 2022 Meghan attends Queen Elizabeth funeral
People Magazine Jan 2026 Harry UK return coverage
Time Magazine Jun 2023 Harry first royal testimony 130 years
New York Times Jun 2023 Edward VII last royal witness 1891
Variety Jun 2023 Harry testifies Mirror Group case