Prince Harry fought back tears on Wednesday as he complained in a London courtroom that relentless media attention had made his publicity-conscious wife Meghan Markle’s life an “absolute misery” — while firmly denying claims that he secretly fed information to reporters under the alias “Mr Mischief.”
The Duke of Sussex, 41, made the emotional remarks while giving evidence for nearly two hours in his privacy lawsuit against the Daily Mail and its sister publication, the Mail on Sunday.
“They have made my wife’s life an absolute misery,” the visibly emotional prince said, despite having published books and appeared in television documentaries that revealed intimate details about himself and Meghan following their highly publicized rift with the royal family.
Allegations Against the Publisher
Harry is one of seven high-profile figures — alongside Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley — who are suing publisher Associated Newspapers Ltd. They allege the company hacked voicemail messages, bugged landlines, and obtained private information through deception to generate stories.
The prince, who became the first royal in 130 years to testify in court during a separate lawsuit against the press, was at times confrontational as Associated’s barrister Antony White argued that the disputed articles were sourced lawfully.
Harry Pushes Back Against Claims of Media Friendships
During questioning, Harry rejected suggestions that he had friendly relationships with journalists who covered the royal family, or that his own social circle had leaked information to the tabloids.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I am not friends with any of these journalists and I never have been,” he said firmly, describing what he called a life of “24-hour surveillance.”
“My social circles were not leaky. I want to make that absolutely clear.”
He also dismissed accusations that he had used an anonymous Facebook account under the name “Mr Mischief” to exchange messages with Mail on Sunday reporter Charlotte Griffiths.
Harry insisted that he “would have to cut contact” with anyone he suspected of sharing information.