The Duke of Sussex will travel from California to London for the start of legal proceedings against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), publisher of the Daily Mail.
The case involves allegations of unlawful information gathering, including the use of private investigators to place listening devices inside vehicles, the “blagging” of private records, and accessing private phone conversations.
The legal action is being brought by Prince Harry and six other high-profile individuals, including Sir Elton John, David Furnish, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Sir Simon Hughes, Sadie Frost, and Liz Hurley.
ANL has “vehemently” denied what it calls “preposterous allegations.”
Although the two were reunited for the first time in 19 months during Harry’s previous visit in September, when they shared afternoon tea at Clarence House, a meeting is not expected during this trip.
The King is expected to remain in Scotland during Prince Harry’s visit, continuing his traditional post-Christmas stay.
Royal sources have told The Telegraph that the King does not wish to be associated with any court proceedings and will therefore keep his distance.
During his last visit, Prince Harry described his father as “great,” and it is understood that the two are now in regular contact despite past tensions.
In a BBC interview in May, Prince Harry said the King would not speak to him due to his ongoing legal dispute with the Home Office over security arrangements.
He also expressed concern about not knowing “how much longer my father has” and called for “reconciliation.”
The interview followed Prince Harry’s loss of a Court of Appeal challenge over his UK security.
However, in a significant development, the Home Office has now reportedly ordered a full threat assessment—the first since 2020—raising the possibility that his taxpayer-funded armed security could be reinstated for future UK visits.
The trial is due to start on January 19, though the date and timetable have not yet been finalised.
