Prince Harry Faces Fresh Blow After Judge Criticism Following Major Legal Defeat
Prince Harry has faced a fresh setback after a senior King’s Counsel criticized his response to the High Court’s decision in the Duke’s phone hacking case. The latest reaction comes shortly after Harry returned to California following a busy visit to the United Kingdom.
During his time in Britain, the Duke of Sussex carried out several public engagements in support of charities and the 2027 Invictus Games. He also reunited privately with King Charles, Queen Camilla, Meghan Markle, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet at Highgrove House.
Throughout the visit, Harry appeared upbeat during his public appearances, with many observers noting his relaxed demeanor despite ongoing legal challenges.
The positive headlines surrounding the family reunion also shifted attention away from the outcome of Harry’s legal battle involving allegations of unlawful information gathering.
However, following his return to Montecito, attention has once again turned to the High Court case and the financial consequences facing the claimants after their defeat.
Prince Harry and six other claimants, including Sir Elton John, David Furnish, Elizabeth Hurley, Sadie Frost, Sir Simon Hughes, and Baroness Doreen Lawrence, have reportedly been ordered to pay legal costs that could total up to £50 million.
After the ruling, Harry strongly criticized the court’s decision, describing it as a “complete and obvious whitewash.” His remarks quickly prompted reactions from legal experts.
Among those responding was King’s Counsel and former Justice Secretary Alex Chalk, who said he believed the Duke’s criticism of the judge had gone too far.
“Expressing disagreement with a judgment is perfectly reasonable. But Harry’s attack on a High Court judge was over the top, personal and unacceptable,” Chalk told The Times.
He added, “Judges act in the name of the King and swear an oath of allegiance to the sovereign. That’s how our constitution works, as Harry should know better than most.”
Chalk also argued that, regardless of Harry’s disappointment with the outcome, criticizing the judge in such terms crossed an important constitutional line. “However disappointed he was with the result, insulting one of HM’s judges is a line he shouldn’t have crossed,” he said.
Neither Prince Harry nor his representatives have publicly responded to Chalk’s latest comments. The Duke has, however, previously maintained his position regarding the court’s ruling.
As Harry returns to life in California following a week dominated by charitable engagements and a private family reunion, the legal fallout from the High Court case continues to generate debate. The latest criticism from a senior legal figure has added another challenge to an already difficult period for the Duke of Sussex.
