Prince Harry’s lawyers will make a closing statement: what you need to know about the court case

On Tuesday, Prince Harry’s lawyers will begin their closing arguments in the trial against British media company Mirror Group Newspapers, which he accuses of hacking his mobile phone more than a decade ago.

The lawsuit is a part years of enmity between Harry and the British tabloids, and one of several cases he has brought against newspaper publishers. During the case, the prince gave evidence for two days, becoming the first known member of the royal family to testifying in court for over 130 years.

Both this week David SherbornePrince Harry’s lawyer, and Andrew Green, a lawyer for the Mirror Group, will appear before Judge Timothy Fancourt.

It is likely that defense attorneys will discuss Harry’s testimony in their closing arguments, potentially addressing the testimony he gave and the question of its credibility.

What was Harry’s team arguing about?

Harry’s legal team detailed what they believe were illegal means the company used to obtain private information about him for a series of articles published between 1996 and 2011. as well as brother William, girlfriend and some assistants. Harry filed the lawsuit along with three other plaintiffs.

Harry’s legal team argued that illegal reporting methods led to articles that damaged Harry’s trust with his friends and put a strain on his relationship with his then-girlfriend Chelsy Davy.

What was the Mirror Group arguing about?

Mirror Group lead lawyer Andrew Green told the court there was no evidence Prince Harry had been hacked. Mr Green’s legal team argued that the alleged phone hacking was not evidence and that some of the articles in question were published before the prince had a mobile phone.

He added that until 2009, staff at another tabloid, The News of the World, owned by Rupert Murdoch, were sentenced to prison for phone hackingmaking it unlikely that Mirror Group journalists would risk doing the same.

They also said Harry waited too long to sue.

What were the key moments in the case?

During the trial, Harry condemned the British tabloid press and its methods, asking: “How much more blood will be on their fingers before someone can stop this madness?”

He added that the actions of the tabloids affected all areas of his life, causing “attacks of depression and paranoia.”

Harry said the persona created by the tabloids, portraying him as a “fat man”, a “cheat”, an “underage drunk” and an “irresponsible drug user”, had clouded his life. And he said the press intrusion was a “major factor” in his split with Ms Davie.

What will happen next?

The judge’s decision will likely come two to three months after the hearing ends, said Ahlia Rateb, the judge’s clerk.