A Private Investigator Says He Illegally Obtained Meghan Markle's Personal Information
Private investigator Dan Hanks said he illegally obtained Meghan Markle's personal information, including her cell phone number and her social security number.

- A private investigator said he illegally obtained Meghan Markle's personal information in 2016, including her cell phone number and her social security number.
- Dan Hanks said he illegally accessed the information while working for British tabloid the Sun.
- Meghan and Harry said the news "shows that the predatory [media] practices of days past are still ongoing, reaping irreversible damage for families and relationships."
A Los Angeles private investigator has said he illegally obtained personal information about Meghan Markle while working for British tabloid the Sun, as the Guardian reports. Speaking to website Byline Investigates, Dan Hanks said he produced a 90-page report on Meghan in October 2016, after news of her relationship with Prince Harry leaked to the paper, and sent it to the Sun's U.S. editor, James Beal.
Information included in the report? Meghan's cell phone number and the numbers of several of her relatives, background information on her ex-husband, and Meghan's social security number. Hanks said he retrieved the information from a database that licensed private investigators are permitted to access, but not on behalf of news organizations, making his actions illegal.
Hanks said the Sun must have known the information was illegally obtained, telling the New York Times that the paper made him sign a letter stating that he would not use illegal methods before adding, "Then the reporters came back to me and said, 'But if you want to get work, keep doing what you’ve been doing,' with a nod and a wink."
The Sun's publishers, News Group Newspapers, denied Hanks' allegations, saying in a statement to the Times, "He was instructed clearly in writing to act lawfully and he signed a legal undertaking that he would do so."
Hanks apologized to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for accessing Meghan's personal information, telling Byline Investigates, "I’m sorry to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry for targeting her family, particularly her dad, on behalf of The Sun. I never wanted to cause Meghan Markle harm, and wouldn’t have done the job if I’d have known it would lead to all these problems." He added, "I also wanted to take this opportunity to apologize to The Queen, because I realise the harm of what I did for The Sun has affected the whole family."
In a statement to the Guardian, the Sussexes said, "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex feel that today is an important moment of reflection for the media industry and society at large, as this investigative report shows that the predatory practices of days past are still ongoing, reaping irreversible damage for families and relationships."
"They are grateful to those working in media who stand for upholding the values of journalism, which are needed now more than ever before," the statement continued.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
RELATED STORIES

Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.
-
Why Prince William's Exes Attended His Wedding to Kate Middleton
The exes were invited "due to a more peculiar upper class British tradition."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Why Prince William "Stepped in" for King Charles at the Pope's Funeral
The seating plan was described as a "master plan" of "big egos."
By Amy Mackelden
-
A Vintage Fendi Baguette Is Bella Hadid's Plus-One
The model paired her skintight capri jumpsuit with pointed-toe heels.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Make Poignant NYC Appearance to Highlight "Heartbreak" No Parent Should Face
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex unveiled a powerful memorial to children lost too soon.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle Means Business in a $5,000 Ralph Lauren Linen Suit and Princess Diana's Tennis Bracelet
The Duchess of Sussex delivered spring workwear inspo at the 'TIME'100 Summit.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle's Boxed Hair Dye Disaster During the Pandemic Left Her Looking "Elvira-Esque"
"I thought, ‘I'm gonna look just like she does on the box.'"
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle's White Easter Shirt Dress Is the Ultimate Spring Staple
The Duchess of Sussex wore a breezy button-down style to celebrate the holiday.
By Kristin Contino
-
How Princess Eugenie's Easter Sunday Outfit Takes Style Tips From Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton
From her nude heels to her bodycon dress.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Princess Diana's Close Friend Reveals What She Likely Would Have Thought About Meghan Markle
Richard Kay shared insights on the late royal and what her relationship with Prince Harry's wife could've been like.
By Kristin Contino
-
This Royal Couple Has the Most Pinned Celebrity Wedding of All Time—And a Surprising Royal Wedding Didn't Even Make The List
A new study found this ceremony gave Pinterest users the most inspiration.
By Kristin Contino
-
We Taste-Tested Meghan Markle’s As Ever Jam, Honey and Flower Sprinkles—One Word Kept Coming Up
Women across America gave 'Marie Claire' their thoughts on the Duchess of Sussex's first seasonal drop of products.
By Kristin Contino