Prince Harry has lost a high-profile lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), marking a significant setback in his years-long campaign against Britain’s tabloid media.

The ruling was handed down on July 7 as the Duke of Sussex began a new visit to London, where he is scheduled to participate in events connected to the Invictus Games.

Judge dismisses all claims

Harry was one of seven claimants involved in the case against ANL, the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday. The group alleged that journalists and investigators working for the publisher unlawfully obtained private information through practices including phone hacking, deception and the use of private investigators.

After a lengthy trial, the court found that the claimants failed to prove their allegations and dismissed all claims.

Court says evidence fell short

In his judgment, the judge concluded that suspicion alone was not enough to establish unlawful information gathering. The court determined that the evidence presented did not prove that the articles at the center of the case were obtained through illegal methods.

The decision represents one of the most significant legal defeats Harry has faced in his ongoing efforts to challenge sections of the British press.

Publisher declares victory

Following the ruling, ANL described the outcome as an “overwhelming victory” for both its journalists and press freedom.

The company also indicated it intends to seek recovery of legal costs associated with defending the case, which reportedly amounted to tens of millions of pounds over the course of the litigation.

Harry remains committed to media reform

The Duke of Sussex has frequently argued that intrusive reporting practices caused significant harm to both himself and Meghan Markle. During court proceedings earlier this year, he described the media scrutiny surrounding their relationship as relentless and said it had taken a heavy toll on his family.

Harry has made legal action against British tabloids a central part of his public mission since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.

Despite this defeat, Harry has achieved some courtroom victories in recent years. Meghan successfully won her privacy case against the Mail on Sunday over the publication of a private letter, and Harry previously reached a settlement with the publisher of The Sun involving damages and an apology.

For now, however, the latest ruling closes another chapter in one of the most closely watched legal battles involving the British royal family.