The Duke of Sussex is set to return to the UK next month to attend his trial against the publishers of The Sun.
The case, taking place at the High Court, involves Prince Harry and former Labour deputy leader Lord Tom Watson suing News Group Newspapers (NGN) over alleged unlawful information-gathering and privacy violations.
Harry, 40, accuses NGN of using intrusive tactics, including phone hacking and other breaches of privacy, carried out by journalists and private investigators. The trial, expected to last around seven weeks, will see Harry cross-examined by the publisher’s legal team.
Speaking at a New York summit in December, Harry highlighted the importance of accountability, stating: “Some 1,300 people have settled their claims… one of the main reasons for seeing this through is accountability, because I’m the last person that can actually achieve that.”
NGN has consistently denied any unlawful activity at The Sun.
This marks Harry’s second courtroom battle, following his 2023 testimony in a case against Mirror Group Newspapers over phone hacking allegations.
Meghan Markle’s Absence
Harry is expected to travel alone, with Meghan Markle likely remaining in Montecito to care for their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Meghan’s reluctance to return to the UK is partly attributed to changes in Harry’s personal security arrangements during visits.
In February 2024, retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane dismissed Harry’s legal challenge against the UK Home Office over a decision to adjust his taxpayer-funded security. Harry’s witness statement expressed sadness about the situation, saying: “The UK is my home… a place I want my children to feel at home. That cannot happen if it’s not possible to keep them safe… I cannot put my wife in danger like that.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex relocated to California in 2020 after stepping down as senior working royals. Meghan last accompanied Harry to the UK in September 2022, attending the One Young World summit in Manchester. Their visit was extended following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, allowing them to attend her state funeral.
Meghan’s Future UK Visits
According to The Telegraph’s Royal Editor, Hannah Furness, Meghan’s return to the UK remains unlikely until the couple’s security concerns are resolved.
Speaking on HELLO!’s A Right Royal Podcast, Furness noted: “There is quite a heavy narrative that Meghan and the children won’t be coming back until they can resolve this security issue to their liking. But he [Harry] will certainly be coming and going.”
