Harry withdraws libel claim against Mail on Sunday publisher

Prince Harry has withdrawn his libel lawsuit against Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Mail on Sunday.

The Duke of Sussex, 39, had initiated legal action over an article discussing his publicly-funded security arrangements during visits to the UK after stepping back as a senior royal.

The Mail on Sunday reported that the prince abandoned the case just hours before a court deadline, making him liable for the publisher’s £250,000 legal costs. The original article, published in February 2022, covered Prince Harry’s legal challenge against the Home Office regarding changes to his security arrangements after transitioning to a non-working royal living in the United States.

Following the withdrawal of the libel claim, a spokesperson for the Sussexes stated that Prince Harry is now focusing on the safety of his family and his ongoing legal case against the Home Office.

The libel case involved allegations that the article falsely portrayed him as having “lied” and tried to manipulate public opinion.

The publishing company contended that the piece conveyed a “genuine opinion” and did not inflict significant damage to Prince Harry’s standing.

Although part of the legal battle was lost by Prince Harry last month, a judge ruled in favor of Associated Newspapers’ defense, stating that their argument of “honest opinion” had a “real prospect” of success.

The prince is still awaiting a ruling on his claim against the Home Office, asserting that changes to his personal protection in the UK were “unlawful and unfair.” This is one of several legal battles Prince Harry is involved in, including claims against News Group Newspapers and ongoing cases related to phone-hacking and breaches of privacy.

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