“No Particulars of Such Allegations Have Been Provided,” Judge Rules in Prince Harry’s Case Against News Group

Prince Harry has faced a significant setback in his ongoing legal battle against News Group Newspapers, as he is now prohibited from making claims related to bugs and tracking devices in his lawsuit. The Duke of Sussex has been embroiled in a six-year fight against the newspaper group, alleging unlawful information gathering by journalists and their contractors. However, a recent ruling by a London High Court judge has limited the scope of Harry’s claims.

According to The Times of London, Justice Timothy Fancourt ruled that while Harry’s legal team can make certain amendments to their case, they cannot pursue allegations involving bugs in rooms and cars or tracking devices on vehicles. The judge stated, “No particulars whatsoever of such allegations have been provided,” effectively blocking these claims from being further explored in court.

Justice Fancourt’s remarks were not limited to this ruling. He also expressed frustration with both sides for consuming an excessive amount of the court’s time. Comparing the case to a prolonged standoff, Fancourt likened the proceedings to a battle between “two obdurate but well-resourced armies” that has been monopolizing “more than an appropriate” share of judicial resources. His criticism was aimed at both Prince Harry’s legal team and News Group Newspapers, signaling the judge’s exasperation with the case’s lengthy and contentious nature.

In particular, the judge singled out Prince Harry for attempting to introduce “new causes of action that had not been pleaded in the original draft” of his lawsuit. This implies that the Duke’s team was trying to add fresh allegations that were not part of the initial legal filing, a move that the judge found problematic. On the other hand, Justice Fancourt also criticized the publisher, News Group, for raising new objections to sections of Harry’s claim, further prolonging the proceedings.

Prince Harry’s legal challenges are not limited to News Group Newspapers. He has also initiated a lawsuit against Associated Newspapers, the publishers of the Daily Mail, accusing them of similar unlawful practices. However, the group has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining their innocence in both cases.

As the legal battle continues, this latest ruling marks a significant blow to Harry’s case, particularly in relation to the most sensational claims involving alleged surveillance. While the Duke may continue to press forward with other aspects of his lawsuit, the judge’s decision signals that his accusations regarding bugs and tracking devices will not play a role in the final outcome of the trial.