The Duke of Sussex’s authorized declare towards The Solar’s writer over allegations of illegal data gathering is about to go to trial in January 2025, the Excessive Court docket has been advised.
Harry, 39, alleges he was focused by journalists and personal investigators working for Information Group Newspapers (NGN), writer of The Solar and the now-defunct Information Of The World.
At a preliminary listening to on Tuesday, the Excessive Court docket was advised two trials are anticipated within the dozens of energetic claims towards the writer over allegations of cellphone hacking and different illegal data gathering.
David Sherborne, for the claimants, stated there are 32 individuals whose instances are set to be heard at a trial in January 2024.
He later stated there are 27 instances which were “stayed” and are set to be heard at a trial in January 2025.
The barrister stated: “That features the claims of (British actor) Hugh Grant and the Duke of Sussex.”
Nevertheless, Mr Sherborne advised the listening to in London that numbers may change.
“In the meanwhile, we proceed with the 32 and if one thing dramatic adjustments we are able to deal with it,” he stated.
The listening to earlier than Mr Justice Fancourt was later advised 18 different claims towards NGN – which denies any illegal exercise passed off at The Solar – have been settled since August.
Tuesday’s listening to comes after a ruling in July blocked components of Harry’s declare which associated to allegations of cellphone hacking towards the writer.
In his judgment, Mr Justice Fancourt stated Harry’s declare over different allegations – together with use of personal investigators – may go forward to a trial.
The choose additionally refused to permit the duke to depend on an alleged “secret settlement” between the royal household and senior executives working for media mogul Rupert Murdoch as a part of his declare.
A spokesperson for NGN known as the ruling a “important victory” for the writer.
The subsequent listening to within the claims towards NGN is due in December.