What Prince Harry said as his witness statement is published during the phone hacking court case

A witness statement from Harry, Duke of Sussex, has been published as he continues being questioned in the witness box at London’s High Court this morning, as the case between the Mirror Group Newspapers and a number of high-profile public names continue. Harry’s statement, which takes particular aim at former Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan, also sounds out how the UK government has hit “rock bottom” - a throwback to his case regarding security detail while visiting the United Kingdom.

With the 55-page statement, Harry drew parallels between the state of the Government and that of the press, emphasising the need for both entities to be held accountable. It was another first for the senior Royal - as it has long been an open secret the monarch does not get involved in politics. 

Harry expressed deep concern about the role of the press in a functioning democracy. He argued that when the press fails to scrutinise and hold the Government accountable, democracy itself falters. Harry believed that the press often chooses to align with the Government instead of fulfilling its duty to impartially report on their actions. He described the media as an "unbelievably dangerous place," asserting that even the Government fears alienating newspapers due to their position of power.

The impact of media stories on individuals and their well-being was a central theme in Harry's statement. He highlighted the dangerous consequences of trolls and the stories they create, noting that people have lost their lives or resorted to suicide when they see no other way out. This led him to question how much more blood would stain the fingers of journalists before action is taken to stop this madness. Harry argued that it is essential to hold those responsible for unlawful activities accountable, as they have stolen or hijacked the privileges and powers of the press.

Harry also revealed the personal toll media scrutiny has taken on his life. He shared his belief that stories questioning his paternity were intentionally aimed at ousting him from the royal family. These stories, which he considered damaging and hurtful, fuelled his suspicions about the motives behind media reports. The Duke's statement shed light on the impact of media scrutiny during his education, including fears of expulsion due to drug use allegations while at Eton.

In his statement, Harry acknowledged that some of the stories about him were true but claimed ignorance about how they were obtained. Nevertheless, he argued that the absence of journalists as witnesses in court proceedings should lead to an inference of unlawful information gathering. The Duke's aim in bringing this legal action is not fueled by hatred for tabloids but rather by a desire to hold accountable those who engage in vile behaviour, highlighting the need to save journalism by exposing such practices.

Throughout his witness statement, Harry emphasised his commitment to public interest and the well-being of the British public. As a former member of the royal family and a soldier upholding important values, he felt a responsibility to expose criminal activities and ensure transparency. By shedding light on the depths of what was happening then and now, the Duke believes that both the country and its people will benefit.

The key moments from Harry’s witness statement this morning

• Harry accused the press of failing to scrutinise the government and instead aligning with them.
• He expressed concern about the dangerous nature of the media and its influence on the government.
• Harry stated that trolls and media stories have resulted in deaths and suicides.
• He emphasised the need to hold journalists accountable for their actions and to expose their unlawful activities.
• Harry admitted that some stories about him were true but had no knowledge of how they were obtained.
• He believed that stories questioning his paternity were intended to remove him from the royal family.
• Harry recounted his experiences with the media and their impact on his relationships and personal life.
• He quoted letters from his mother, Princess Diana, expressing concern about the Daily Mirror's invasion of privacy.
• Harry claimed that he and his wife, Meghan, faced personal attacks and intimidation as a result of their legal action.
• He revealed the impact of media stories on his education and personal relationships.
• Harry mentioned the Queen's secret support during his Australian trip and the concern about media coverage.
• He acknowledged his position as a former member of the royal family and his responsibility to expose criminal activities in the public interest.