Setback for Prince Harry in legal battle as allegations involving William and Kate dismissed

The trial is scheduled for January 2026

rince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has been hit by a setback in his most recent legal battle, involving William and Kate, it has been reported.

Last week, it was reported that Harry had brought his brother, Prince William, and sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, into his latest legal dispute with the Daily Mail’s publisher.

However, it now appears that the new allegations have been dismissed by a High Court judge.
Prince Harry has reportedly been hit by a setback in his latest legal battle (Credit: Cover Images)

Prince Harry brings William and Kate into legal battle

Prince Harry is one of seven high-profile figures accusing Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) of “grave breaches of privacy”.

The other claimants include Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish and Elizabeth Hurley, Sir Simon Hughes and Sadie Frost.

ANL has repeatedly denied the claims, which include allegations of phone-hacking, bugging homes and gathering medical and financial information dishonestly. They also argued that the claims had been made “far too late”.

During a preliminary hearing last week, David Sherborne, barrister for the claimants, reportedly attempted to add a set of new allegations to their case.
Prince Harry attempted to bring Princess William and Kate Middleton into his legal dispute (Credit: Cover Images)
These included claims that William and Kate may also have been the targets of unlawful information gathering by ANL.

The new allegations are said to relate to surveillance around William’s 21st birthday party, as well as phone data linked to Kate.

Another allegation claimed that the duke’s mother, the late Princess Diana, had also been targeted by Mail journalists.

Judge dismisses new allegations

ANL has repeatedly denied the claims against them. In particular, they reportedly made a bid to have these new allegations dismissed ahead of the trial, which is set to take place early next year.

In a judgement today (October 10), according to the Telegraph, High Court judge, Mr Justice Nicklin is said to have agreed.

It has become a complex and involved side-show.

“Even if proved true, they cannot assist in the fair resolution of the claimants’ claims.” The judge reportedly said of the new claims, calling the legal team’s approach “unorthodox”.

“Put bluntly,” He added, “It has become a complex and involved side-show.”

He also reportedly ruled that the allegations involving Princess Catherine had been brought too late before trial.

The claimants’ legal team is expected to appeal the ruling. A further preliminary hearing is due to take place next month. The trial, which could last up to nine weeks, is then scheduled to begin in January 2026.

Last year, the Duke of Sussex finally settled his years-long phone hacking claims against the Mirror News Group.