LONDON – Prince Harry said tabloid editors had “blood on their hand” when he talked about the impact newspaper articles on his mother Diana and his own life.
Harry’s accusation came as he was the first member of the British Royal Family to testify in court for 130 years. He took the stand in London’s High Court on Tuesday to give evidence against publishers of Britain’s Daily Mirrortabloid paper.
Prince, and others, have accused Mirror Group Newspapers for obtaining information illegally about them through phone hacking or other unlawful methods. Mirror Group said that it relied on documents, public statements, and other sources to report legally about the prince.
How much blood will be on their fingers before anyone can stop this madness? Harry was quoted by Andrew Green, the lawyer for Mirror Group.
Harry, who was soft-spoken, wore a dark suit with a tie and a Bible while being sworn in. He said that he was referring “to some of the editors and reporters responsible for causing pain, upset, and in some cases death”.
The royal arrived in London’s High Court in a black SUV. She entered through a modern wing, past dozens and dozens of television cameras and photographers. The courtroom and spillover room were both full.
The Duke of Sussex’s decision to allow him to be cross-examined marks a significant step in a campaign that has raged for years against the tabloid media. He holds the paparazzi responsible for the death of Princess Diana in 1997.
He also accused British media of racist coverage of Meghan, Duchess Sussex and their hounding, which led the couple to move from the royal life to America.
The Duke of Sussex has said that the tabloid media has a long-lasting impact on his life.
He said that the articles he read at school were “incredibly intrusive” and had a negative impact on his family, including his mom.
In his statement to the court, he described how he felt pressured to “play up to many headlines and stereotypical ideas” as a young man and early in his 20s.
Harry explained that “in my experience, as a royal member, we are all cast in a certain role by the tabloids.” “You begin as a blank slate while they figure out who you are, what your problems and temptations might be.”
He said: “They will then push you to play the role that suits them and sells the most newspapers, especially if they are the “spare” to the “heir.”
Harry continued, “You are either the “playboy prince,” the “failure,” the”dropout,” or in my case the, ‘thicko,” the, ‘cheat,” the, ‘underage drunker,’ and the, ‘irresponsible drugs taker’.”
The royal did not appear for the first day of the proceedings on Monday. David Sherborne said that his lawyer told the court the prince had only left California Sunday night after celebrating the 2-year-old birthday of Lilibet.
He said that the royal’s presence before would be “tricky”.
The judge, Timothy Fancourt said that he was surprised by Harry’s lack of attendance, and Green said it was an “absolutely incredible” thing for Harry to be a no-show.
Alexander Smith, The Associated Press and The Associated Press all contributed.
