Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have emerged victorious in a legal battle against a helicopter paparazzi intrusion into their Cotswolds home, as confirmed by a ruling from the high court in London.
The celebrity agency Splash News, responsible for capturing interior photos of their residence, has been ordered to pay a substantial sum and issue an official apology for the invasion of privacy.
The incident occurred on January 9, when a helicopter, hired by Splash News, hovered over the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's home in Oxfordshire, capturing images of their bedroom, dining room, and living room. The couple argued in court that this invasion severely compromised their privacy, making it untenable for them to continue living in that location.
Representing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, lawyer Gerrad Tyrell asserted that the paparazzi agency had not only misused private information but also violated the right to privacy and the data protection act. The low-altitude flyover allowed the agency to obtain commercially exploitable images, which were subsequently syndicated.
The publication of these photos on January 11 prompted legal action. In response to the court ruling, Splash News committed to not using the aerial views in question and issued an apology, acknowledging the error in judgment. The agency expressed regret for the distress caused to the Duke and Duchess.
Harry and Meghan had deliberately chosen their Cotswolds country house for its privacy and challenging accessibility. The couple has a history of conflict with the press, rooted in Prince Harry's experiences during his childhood with Princess Diana. The relentless pursuit by photographers, even at night, played a role in their decision to prioritize privacy. Prince Harry, in particular, has a deep-seated resentment stemming from incidents such as a photographer revealing his secret participation in the war in Afghanistan, leading to his forced return to Britain for safety reasons.
The legal victory reinforces the couple's commitment to safeguarding their privacy, a sentiment echoed by Buckingham Palace in an official statement that "recognizes and welcomes this formal apology from the Splash News agency."
