Prince Harry was challenged to explain why the newspaper articles he complained about were the result of illegal activities.
He repeatedly replied that he was “not aware” when shown that the information in the articles had been published by other newspapers and even by the BBC before. In several cases the stories came from palace aides – and in one case he had given an official interview. Here are eight of the items Harry complained about.
‘Diana so sad on Harry’s big day’
Daily Mirror, September 16, 1996
Harry’s complaint in his witness statement: “This article contains details of my mother coming to visit me at Ludgrove School on my 12th birthday.”
Andrew Green KC, for Mirror Group Newspapers: “Are you aware that about two days before the article was published, the Press Association published an article stating that your mother would visit you on the day of your birthday ?”
Harry: ‘I wasn’t aware of that.’
“Harry’s Time at the Bar”
Daily Mirror, September 19, 2000
Harry’s statement: “This article contains details of a lunch I had with friends at The Ifield pub in Chelsea to celebrate my 16th birthday.”
The Duke of Sussex is cross-examined by Andrew Green KC, as he gives evidence at the Rolls Buildings in central London
Mr Green: “The pub had a celebrity chef. He had two TV shows. He was a great publicist and liked to talk about his famous clients.
Harry: ‘I didn’t know.’
Mr Green: “Don’t you think it’s possible he made the call that brought photographers to his gastropub?”
Harry: ‘He’s a chef, and he’s quite busy making calls.’
‘No Eton trifles for Harry, 18’
Daily Mirror, September 16, 2002
Harry’s statement: “This article reported details of how I celebrated my 18th birthday, which included a low-key lunch with my dad and brother at home.”
Mr Green: ‘You gave an interview to Sam Greenhill [formerly] of the Press Association.’
Prince Harry has been challenged to explain why the newspaper articles he complained about were the result of illegal activity
Harry: ‘Uh, yes.’
Mr. Green: “The private information you complain about was revealed by you in an interview and then appeared in various Sunday papers.”
Harry: ‘I see the similarities.’
”Matured” Harry is a godfather’
The People, April 20, 2003
Harry’s statement: “This article contains details of me being asked to be godfather to Tiggy’s new baby, who was my childhood nanny.”
Mr Green: ‘The information you complain about was in the public domain via The Sunday Telegraph a week before it appeared in The People, was it?
Harry: ‘Yes, I see the similarities.’
‘Snap…Harry breaks his thumb like William’
Daily Mirror, November 11, 2000
Harry’s statement: “This article reported that I chipped a bone in my thumb.”
Mr Green: ‘Did you know this was reported by several newspapers and the BBC the day before?’
He repeatedly replied that he was “not aware” when shown that the information in the articles had been published by other newspapers and even by the BBC before.
Harry: ‘I didn’t know.’
Mr. Green: “The Press Association published an article the day before the Mirror. Have you reported your concerns to the Press Association?
Harry; – No, I was not aware.
Mr. Green: “Whose phone was hacked?” Which phone would have had this information? »
Harry: ‘Is it at the doctor’s?’
Mr Green: ‘Aren’t we, Prince Harry, in the realm of total speculation?
“The princes go to the hills for a gala”
Daily Mirror, July 17, 2000
Harry’s statement: “This article reports that my brother and I will not be attending the gala to celebrate the 100th birthday of our great-grandmother, the late Queen Mother.”
Mr Green: ‘A Daily Mail article two days before the Mirror article announced that you and your brother were going missing.’ And Buckingham Palace confirmed it.
Andrew Green KC leaves the Rolls Buildings in central London after the Duke of Sussex gave evidence in the phone hacking trial against Mirror Group Newspapers
Harry: ‘Yes, in answer to a suspicious question.’
Mr Green: ‘Two days before the Mirror article.’
‘Harry did drugs’ and ‘Cool it Harry’
Sunday Mirror, January 13, 2002
Harry’s statement: “These articles reported allegations that I had taken drugs with friends at the Rattlebone Inn.”
Mr Green: “We can see from your Spare book that [Mark] Bolland, the [palace] spin doctor, disclosed information about you without your consent? »
Harry: “After this incident, I never shared anything private with him.”
Mr Green: ‘The unpleasant reality is that private information has sometimes been provided to the press with the consent of the Palace.’
Harry: ‘Certain individuals, yes.’
“Harry’s Cocaine Ecstasy and GHB Parties”
Daily Mirror, 14 January 2002
Harry’s statement: “This article reports that my friends, or those I mingled with, were on drugs.”
Harry: ‘No, I wasn’t.’
Mr Green: ‘Don’t you think it was likely that he spoke to his police contacts?’
Harry: ‘I don’t know.’
