London – A High Court judge on Friday ruled that Prince Harry, Elton John, his husband David Furnish and five other high‑profile individuals must pay an initial £9.5 million (approximately $13 million) to Associated Newspapers Limited, the owner of the Daily Mail. The payment is due by 4 p.m. on August 28 and represents only the first portion of the costs the group will ultimately owe.
The lawsuit, filed last month, alleged that the Daily Mail engaged in unlawful information‑gathering practices for stories published between 1997 and 2015. The court found the claims insufficient to overturn the tabloid’s actions, resulting in the substantial cost award.
While the £9.5 million is an initial sum, the judge indicated that the total amount the plaintiffs will be required to pay could rise as the case proceeds. The ruling underscores the financial risks faced by public figures who pursue legal action against major media organisations.
Key details
- Defendants: Prince Harry, Elton John, David Furnish and five other high‑profile figures.
- Claim: Unlawful information gathering by the Daily Mail from 1997‑2015.
- Judgment: Initial payment of £9.5 million due by August 28.
- Publisher: Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), owner of the Daily Mail.
The case remains ongoing, and further financial obligations may be assessed as the litigation continues.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
