Prince Harry and 6 others must pay initial $13 million over failed invasion of privacy case

The court has ordered Prince Harry and six others, including Elton John, Elton John's husband David Furnish, actors Sadie Frost and Liz Hurley, and politician Simon Hughes, to pay an initial $13 million to the Daily Mail newspaper publisher following their failed invasion of privacy case. The payment is at the upper end of expectations, marking a defeat for the claimants and a vindication for the journalists at the Daily Mail.

Justice Matthew Nicklin, in his judgment, criticized the speculative nature of the claims and the inability of the claimants to withdraw serious allegations that could no longer be supported. The claimants, who have insurance covering around half the total costs, have until October 2 to decide whether to appeal the decision. The publisher, Associated Newspapers Ltd., has stated that they incurred over £34 million in costs during the case and could pursue the claimants for the remaining amount, making Harry and the others liable for an additional £25 million.