Prince Harry, others must pay $13M to 'Daily Mail' publisher
What's the story
Prince Harry and six other high-profile individuals must pay an initial £9.54 million ($13 million) in legal costs to the publisher of Daily Mail after losing their High Court privacy case, reported BBC. The group also includes singer Elton John. They have until August 28 to make this payment, with potential additional costs of up to £25 million ($34 million). The claimants had sued Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) for unlawful information-gathering allegations, which ANL denied vehemently.
Legal proceedings
Claimants can attempt to appeal until October 2
On July 7, Judge Justice Nicklin dismissed the claims, stating the public figures failed to prove their allegations.
He ordered the Duke of Sussex and others to pay up to £34.5 million ($47 million) in costs incurred by ANL due to how the case was brought forward.
The claimants have until October 2 to attempt an appeal against this ruling.
Financial implications
Justice Nicklin refused to place a cap on recoverable costs
The claimants had insurance to cover up to £16.2 million ($22 million) of ANL's costs if they lost the case.
However, Friday's ruling allows ANL to recover up to the £34.5 million it spent defending itself.
This could mean a bill of around £18 million ($24 million) for the Duke and others.
Justice Nicklin called the potential payment "excessive," but decided not to impose a ceiling on ANL's recoverable costs as it could risk unfairness and be seen as arbitrary.
Court comments
Criticism for claimants
Justice Nicklin criticized the claimants for not voluntarily withdrawing any serious allegations of wrongdoing.
He said, "Serious allegations of criminality or grave impropriety cannot properly be left hanging over individuals in that way."
He added their failure to withdraw these allegations was "not ordinary forensic judgment" and "was unreasonable to a high degree."
The judge's ruling came just days after the Duke and Duchess (Meghan Markle) announced their plan to return to the UK with their children.
Reaction
Claimants express disappointment over judgment
The claimants, including Elizabeth Hurley, Sadie Frost, Simon Hughes, Doreen Lawrence, and David Furnish, expressed disappointment over the judgment.
In a joint statement, they said: "We came to Court seeking justice and accountability. But we have received neither."
Hughes told BBC he was "disappointed" by the judgment and is considering whether to pursue appeals against it.