Prince Harry set to learn outcome of claim against Daily Mirror publisher
Prince Harry is set to learn the outcome of his claim against the publisher of the Daily Mirror for alleged unlawful information gathering.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, sued Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) – which also publishes the Sunday Mirror and the Sunday People – after claiming its journalists were linked to methods including phone hacking, so-called “blagging” or gaining information by deception, and using private investigators for unlawful activities.
His case was heard alongside claims brought by actor Michael Turner, known professionally as Michael Le Vell and most famous for playing Kevin Webster in Coronation Street, together with fellow soap actress, Nikki Sanderson, and the ex-wife of comedian Paul Whitehouse, Fiona Wightman.
They allege the unlawful activity took place from 1991 up to 2011.
A ruling is expected to be given on Friday by Mr Justice Fancourt, who oversaw a high-profile trial of the allegations in June this year.
The seven-week trial saw dozens of witnesses give evidence, including former journalists, editors, private investigators and MGN executives.
Many other witness also submitted written testimony to the trial, such as the friends, family and colleagues of those bringing cases against the publisher.
In his opening arguments, the duke’s lawyer, David Sherborne claimed that Mirror journalists listened to voicemail messages from Princess Diana while Piers Morgan was editor of the newspaper
He also told the court how alleged intrusion caused “mistrust” between Harry and Prince William, and that “the ups and downs and ins and outs” of his relationship with ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy “were all revealed and picked apart by the three Mirror Group titles” – something that was “clearly driven by unlawful activity”.
Prince Harry himself faced eight hours of questioning over two days during a landmark court appearance which attracted international media coverage.
Michael Turner, known professionally as Michael Le Vell, arriving to give evidence at the High Court
MGN largely contested the claims and denied that any newspaper articles complained of resulted from phone hacking.
The vast majority did not arise from any other unlawful activity, the publisher said.
MGN made a limited number of admissions of unlawful activity in relation to the duke, Ms Sanderson and Ms Wightman, for which the publisher apologised and accepted they will be entitled to some damages.
But it denied the majority of their claims – and Mr Turner’s entire case.
It is just one of a series of court battles between the duke and the British press.
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His libel claim against the Mail on Sunday over an article about security arrangements must go to trial, a judge at London’s High Court ruled last Friday.
On Monday, the duke was ordered to pay the newspaper almost £50,000 after losing his bid to strike out part of the newspaper’s defence in the libel case.
UK
Family of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe pay tribute to ‘beautiful soul’ as teen appears in court charged with murder
The family of a nine-year-old girl stabbed to death have said she was a “beautiful soul” who was brave, kind-hearted and “always put a smile on people’s faces”.
Police were called to Lime Close in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, just before 6.10pm on Monday, where Aria Thorpe had suffered a single stab wound.
The child was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a tribute released by Avon and Somerset Police on Friday, the girl’s family on her mother’s side said: “For those who didn’t have the privilege of knowing Aria, she was the most beautiful little soul – happy-go-lucky, full of light, and joy.
“She loved to sing and dance, and she took such pride in dressing up, always wanting to look just like her mummy.”
Tom Thorpe, the girl’s father, said: “It’s hard to put into words how devastating it is, our little Aria, that you’re up there with the angels looking over us.”
It comes as a 15-year-old boy charged with Aria’s murder appeared in court.
Pic: Avon and Somerset Police
Aria was a ‘precious girl’
In their statement, Aria’s family on her mother’s side said her death “has devastated us beyond words”.
“Our hearts are broken in a way we never imagined possible,” they added.
“As a family, we are holding one another close and doing everything we can to support each other through this unimaginable time.”
They said they were “truly touched by the lovely messages we have received”, before asking “that our privacy is respected, as we try to come to terms with the terrible loss of our precious girl”.
Flowers laid in memory of the young girl
‘Wacky ways and outright madness’
Mr Thorpe said: “How sad it’s going to be not hearing ‘Dad, how long left?’ on our long journeys back and forth at weekends.
He then said that Aria was “such a brave, kind-hearted and a beautiful innocent soul”, and “always put a smile on people’s faces with your wacky ways and just outright madness”.
Mr Thorpe added: “Your other little family down here in Portsmouth will forever miss you.
“We’ll miss you begging to go outside, even in the pouring rain just to have as much fun as possible in the little time we had at weekends.
“You will be greatly missed, you special little angel. A life gone far too early but I hope a life lived well. We all love you dearly. Goodnight darling.”
Teenager in court
Meanwhile, a 15-year-old boy charged with Aria’s murder appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, where he was remanded.
The teenager, who cannot be named because of his age, was arrested in the Somerset village of Worle at 6.19pm on Monday.
He is next due in court on 16 March 2026. Appearing via video link from youth detention accommodation, he spoke only to confirm his name.
Judge Peter Blair KC set a provisional trial date for 15 June during the hearing.
A teenager charged with the murder of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe will stand trial in June next year.
The 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named because of his age, appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.
The defendant, who appeared via video link from youth detention accommodation, spoke only to confirm his name.
During a brief hearing, Judge Peter Blair KC, the Recorder of Bristol, set a provisional trial date for 15 June 2026.
The trial is expected to last two weeks.
Avon and Somerset Police were called to Lime Close in Weston-super-Mare just before 6.10pm on Monday, where nine-year-old Aria had suffered a single stab wound.
Flowers laid in memory of the young girl
The boy was arrested in nearby Worle a short time later.
His father was among those attending in the public gallery.
The teenager is next expected to appear in court on 16 March.
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