Prince Harry is in London to testify in his court case against Mirror Group Newspapers, in which he alleges the publisher used unlawful means to gather information about his private life.
In his witness statement, seen by BBC News, the Duke of Sussex cited his romantic relationships as one of the main areas of his life that suffered due to tabloid stories about his love life.
"Whenever I got into a relationship, they were very keen to report the details but would then, very quickly, seek to try and break it up by putting as much strain on it and creating as much distrust as humanly possible," the duke wrote.
"This twisted objective is still pursued to this day even though I’m now married.
"I simply don’t understand (and never have) how the inner, private details of my relationships ... could have anything to do with the well-being of society or the running of the country and therefore be in the public interest."
These words echo a sentiment the duke had already expressed back in May, when court proceedings began. In documents filed at the time, Harry's lawyer David Sherborne claimed that his client "became immediately suspicious of anyone named in stories about him and felt that he could not trust anybody, even at such a young age. It also caused great challenges in his relationship with his ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy, and made him fear for his and her safety."
Sherborne added, "Every time he was in a relationship, or even a rumored relationship, that whole person’s family, and often their friends, would be 'dragged into the chaos' and find themselves the subject of unlawful activity on the part of MGN."
While Harry has previously expressed fear for his wife Meghan Markle's safety because of the actions of tabloid media, he has not said in as many words before that he believes the press tries to break up his marriage.
-
20 On-Sale Beauty Finds to Conquer the Winter SeasonIt's time to add some hydration to your routine.
-
Netflix Is Adapting One of #BookTok's Favorite Romances—Here's What We Know About Ana Huang's 'Twisted Love' TV SeriesCould this be the next 'Bridgerton' or 'Tell Me Lies?'
-
'American Primeval' Is Bound to Be Your First Netflix Obsession of 2025—Here's What to Know About the CastTaylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin led the gritty miniseries about a family's trek across the American West in 1857.
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Issue Statement on California's Devastating WildfiresThe Sussexes addressed the disaster, which is "affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life."
-
This Royal Admits She Took Etiquette Lessons From a 'Downton Abbey' Advisor"I've asked him questions every single day, from how do you pick up that stem, how do you lay your knife and fork in between eating, everything."
-
Meghan Markle Shares Her Most Personal Instagram Post Yet—Including Rare Glimpses of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—After Their Beloved Dog Dies"Thank you for so many years of unconditional love, my sweet Guy. You filled my life in ways you’ll never know."
-
Meghan Markle's Actual Kitchen Isn't Featured in Her Netflix Show—Here's What We Know About Her Real HomeThe Sussexes seem to favor a muted color scheme.
-
Prince William Is the "Ultimate Nepo Baby," According to Spice Girl Mel B's Daughter Phoenix"There's been rising anger in recent years—almost to the point of obsession on social media."
-
King Charles "Never" Declared He Wanted a Slimmed-Down Monarchy, Per Royal Biographer"There was no specific plan," author Robert Hardman tells 'Marie Claire.'
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Daughter Lilibet Has Already Entered Her "Princess Phase"The Sussexes are very "down-to-earth" parents, according to a family friend.
-
Mindy Kaling Reveals Whether Prince Harry Can Cook While Discussing Duchess Meghan's "Accessible" New Netflix SeriesThe comedian shared some insight into the Duke of Sussex's culinary skills.
