Prince Harry may need Elton John to cover $20M legal fees
A humiliated Prince Harry doesn't appear to have the money to cover up to $20 million in legal fees after losing his privacy lawsuit against Daily Mail publisher Associated Newspapers, Page Six reports. Sources close to the Sussex camp say Sir Elton John—the superstar who performed at his wedding—might come to his financial rescue.
Key Takeaways
- Prince Harry lost his privacy case against Associated Newspapers on Tuesday and could owe up to $20 million (£15m) in legal fees within 14 days of a final costs ruling.
- Sources told Page Six the Duke of Sussex does not have the funds to cover his share, while Sir Elton John—worth an estimated $640 million—may help.
- Harry's chaotic UK week included a rescinded Buckingham Palace stay offer before a Friday reunion with King Charles and the children at Highgrove.
- Litigation insurers may withdraw $20 million in coverage, and Associated Newspapers says total litigation costs reached £50 million.
Why did Prince Harry's UK trip turn into a humiliation?
Up until he finally got his children to meet King Charles, the Duke of Sussex had a pretty rotten week. Royal insiders described the visit as chaotic after Harry learned on Tuesday that he had lost his court case against Associated Newspapers Ltd.
On Monday, Sussex reps said Harry accepted an invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace, only for the palace to publicly rescind the offer moments later. Insiders said Harry first told his father's staff on Saturday he would not need a room, then changed his mind hours later and missed the palace deadline.
Courtiers were also reportedly worried it would be constitutionally problematic for the king if Harry stayed at the palace on the same day he lost the tabloid lawsuit. For more royal fallout, see our Celebrity Breaking News coverage.
How much could the Daily Mail lawsuit cost Harry?
Harry and six fellow claimants—including Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley, and Baroness Doreen Lawrence—sued ANL over allegations of unlawful information gathering. Judge Matthew Nicklin dismissed every claim, finding that suspicion is not proof.
Page Six reports Harry could face up to $20 million (£15m) in legal fees, with just 14 days to pay after judge Nicklin finalizes costs later this month. Former costs judge Colin Campbell told the outlet that Associated Newspapers can choose who to pursue based on who has the most money.
ANL has said overall litigation costs amounted to £50 million. The UK Times reported Thursday that litigation insurers could pull their $20 million coverage, leaving claimants personally liable.
Who might pay Prince Harry's legal fees?
"The people funding the case will likely help Harry with costs," a legal source told Page Six. The estate of the late Formula 1 tycoon Max Mosley, along with campaign group Hacked Off, helped fund the claimants' research.
That source said an old friend of Princess Diana might step up: "Elton John could also well help Harry out. They're extremely close." The singer performed at Harry and Meghan Markle's 2018 wedding; the UK Sunday Times Rich List estimates his fortune at $640 million.
"Harry definitely doesn't have the money for it," a well-placed insider told Page Six, adding Markle will "likely be very furious about the fees" because she did not want him to pursue the case. Read the full report at Page Six.
Did Harry finally reunite with King Charles?
Friday brought a rare bright spot. Harry, Markle, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, met King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove for the first time in four years. Markle brought the children over from Portugal, where they had been vacationing.
Harry still did not see estranged brother Prince William, who was at a polo tournament in Windsor with Kate Middleton. Harry continued Invictus Games duties in Birmingham, telling TV host Alison Hammond, "I love my family."