On Monday, a judge ordered Prince Harry to pay nearly £50,000 (over $60,000) in legal fees to the publisher of the Daily Mail tabloid.
This ruling stems from Harry's failed court challenge in a libel lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited. The lawsuit revolves around an article alleging that Harry attempted to conceal efforts to retain publicly funded protection in the UK after leaving his role as a working member of the Royal Family.
Justice Matthew Nicklin ruled that the publisher has a real prospect of showing that statements issued on Harry's behalf were misleading, and the article reflected an honest opinion.
Refusing to strike the honest opinion defense, Nicklin remarked that the publisher's approach may be seen as a "master class in the art of spinning." A libel trial lasting 3 to 4 days is set to take place between May 17th and July 31st. The legal fees, due by December 29th, are likely to be overshadowed by expenses in another lawsuit Harry has brought against the publisher.
Critics, including Lady Colin Campbell, have accused Harry of attacking the free press and labeled him a "vexatious litigant." Campbell suggested that Harry needs treatment for his "addiction to litigation" and advised him to cut losses and change his attitude toward the press. Royal expert Kinsey Scoffield warned Harry about the repercussions of every battle, emphasizing that not every slight is worth airing publicly.
As Harry faces mounting legal challenges, concerns are raised about the longevity of the Sussexes' polished brand in Hollywood. Crisis manager Mark Bowski believes that their Hollywood relaunch is not working, and the couple might be at the beginning of a downfall. Bowski suggests that 2024 could be a pivotal year, either marking a recovery with a new positive tactic or spelling the undoing of the brand. He speculates that the couple might be finished within the next year.
