Prince Harry Called to Testify Earlier Than Expected After Schedule Change, Source Alleges 'Game Playing and Dirty Tricks' Erin Hill, Simon PerryJanuary 21, 2026 at 10:20 AM 0 Henry NICHOLLS / AFP via Getty Prince Harry arrives at High Court in London on Jan. 21, 2026 Prince Harry was called to testify earlier than expected after lawyers for the Daily Mail's publisher wrapped their opening arguments faster than anticipated A source close to the Duke alleges the sudden schedule change amounted to "game playing and dirty tricks," saying the publisher had months to alert the court to the shortene...
- - Prince Harry Called to Testify Earlier Than Expected After Schedule Change, Source Alleges 'Game Playing and Dirty Tricks'
Erin Hill, Simon PerryJanuary 21, 2026 at 10:20 AM
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Henry NICHOLLS / AFP via Getty
Prince Harry arrives at High Court in London on Jan. 21, 2026 -
Prince Harry was called to testify earlier than expected after lawyers for the Daily Mail's publisher wrapped their opening arguments faster than anticipated
A source close to the Duke alleges the sudden schedule change amounted to "game playing and dirty tricks," saying the publisher had months to alert the court to the shortened opening
The nine-week High Court trial pits Harry and six other high-profile claimants against Associated Newspapers, which denies allegations of illegal information gathering
Prince Harry was called to give evidence earlier than expected in his High Court privacy case against the publisher of the Daily Mail, prompting allegations from a source close to the Duke of Sussex that the move amounted to "game playing and dirty tricks."
The Duke of Sussex had been scheduled to take the witness stand on Thursday, Jan. 22, but his appearance was brought forward after lawyers for Associated Newspapers concluded their opening submissions in just 75 minutes on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
A source close to Harry's claim tells PEOPLE that the publisher and its legal team had months to inform the court that their opening argument would take less than two hours.
"ANL, publishers of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday and MailOnline, and their legal team, have had months to inform the court that their opening argument would last less than two hours," the source says. "Instead, they have had to resort to game playing and dirty tricks — consistent with the way they have treated not just the Duke but all of the victims in this case."
James Veysey/Shutterstock
Prince Harry arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice to give evidence in a High Court Trial against Associated Newspapers on Jan. 21, 2026
The source adds that moving the schedule forward by 24 hours appeared designed to limit Harry's preparation time. "They think that by pulling the schedule forward 24 hours they are giving Prince Harry less time to prepare," the source says. "He's been preparing for this moment for the last three years. Safe to say, he's ready."
Harry is one of seven high-profile claimants — including Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley and Jude Law's ex-wife, Sadie Frost — who are suing Associated Newspapers, alleging the unlawful gathering of private information.
The publisher has strongly denied the allegations and is defending the claims, maintaining that its reporting was sourced legitimately.
In written submissions, Harry says the articles in question had a "profoundly distressing effect," leaving him "paranoid beyond belief," fostering distrust and suspicion, and isolating him from those around him. The filings also say the alleged reporting was "terrifying" for those close to him and placed a "massive strain" on his personal relationships.
James Veysey/Shutterstock
Prince Harry arrives at High Court in London on Jan. 21, 2026
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"I find it deeply troubling that Associated used phrases such as 'sources,' 'friends' and the like as a device to hide unlawful information gathering," Harry said in a statement included in the submission.
"This is the culmination of what has been years of litigation," a source previously told PEOPLE. "He sees this as an injustice that needs to be righted."
The nine-week trial is expected to cost an estimated $50 million. It marks a pivotal stage in Harry's final active lawsuit against the British media, following years of litigation over alleged tabloid practices.
on People
Source: "AOL Entertainment"
Source: Entertainment
Published: January 21, 2026 at 05:45PM on Source: RED MAG
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