Prince Harry ordered to pay newspaper $92,000 in libel case

The LA-based Duke of Sussex received bad news regarding his legal case against a British newspaper.

The Duke of Sussex has been ordered to pay British newspaper the Mail on Sunday more than $A92,000 after he lost his attempt to strike out part of the paper’s defence in a libel case.

Prince Harry, 38, who is suing Associated Newspapers in the High Court over an article written about his security arrangements and secret battle with the Home Office, had tried to have the company’s “honest opinion” defence thrown out.

On Friday the judge refused his request saying the publisher had every chance of succeeding.

But Justice Nicklin has now ordered the royal to pay the Mail on Sunday more than $92,000 (£48,000) by December 29 after he lost his attempt to strike out part of the paper’s defence.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex at the Royal Courts of Justice, Britain's High Court, in central London. Picture: AFP

Associated Newspapers argue the article expressed an “honest opinion” and did not cause “serious harm” to Harry’s reputation.

The original article, published in 2022, revealed the Duke’s dispute with the Home Office’s decision to remove his automatic police protection after he relinquished his duties as a working royal and decamped to North America with his wife Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, stepped out ahead of Remembrance Day for the opening of a US Navy SEALs fitness centre. Picture: Twitter

The newspaper article claimed Prince Harry tried to keep his legal fight with the government over bodyguards a secret.

The Duke maintains the article was libellous, as it attacked “his honesty and integrity.”

His lawyers argue the article is inaccurate, and suggests the royal had “lied” and “cynically” attempted to mislead public opinion.

If a settlement isn’t reached by both parties, the libel trial will be held between May and July next year.

Originally published as Prince Harry ordered to pay newspaper $92,000 in libel case