Prince Harry could be “forced” to settle his High Court case against The Sun over concerns about a huge legal bill, even if he wins.
David Sherborne, the Duke of Sussex’s lawyer, said his client faced an “impossible” threat of high legal costs if he pursued the case.
Harry and actor Hugh Grant are among dozens of stars suing over The Sun’s alleged theft of their private information.
At a pre-trial hearing yesterday, the High Court was told that Grant, 63, had reached a settlement and was no longer involved in the case.
The star later stressed on social media that he had “had” to reach a settlement to avoid the risk of a potential “£10m” legal bill.
David Sherborne, the Duke of Sussex’s lawyer, said his client faced an “impossible” threat of high legal costs if he pursued the case.
In 2021, actress Sienna Miller reached a similar agreement. She said that even if she had won, her costs would have run into the millions if she had rejected the offer to settle.
Harry is among the remaining 42 people still suing The Sun’s publisher, News Group Newspapers, for allegedly spying on their private information, which it strenuously denies.
Yesterday, Harry’s lawyer told the court: “The Duke of Sussex is subject to the same problems that Sienna Miller and Hugh Grant have been subject to: offers have been made.” [to settle] that makes it impossible for them to move forward.’
Grant later said he had not wanted to settle, but added: “Civil litigation rules mean that if I go to trial and the court awards me damages that are even one cent less than the settlement offer, I would have to pay the legal costs of both parties.’
NGN has always rejected allegations of wrongdoing by The Sun staff.