Harry and others face wait for pick of cases in trial against The Sun publisher
More than 40 people, including the Duke of Sussex, are bringing legal action against the publisher of The Sun.
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Dozens of people, including the Duke of Sussex, face a months-long wait to learn whether their cases will be part of a trial in their legal action against the publisher of The Sun.
Harry, 39, alleges he was targeted by journalists and private investigators working for News Group Newspapers (NGN), which also published the now-defunct News Of The World.
He is among a number of people to bring cases against the publisher, with a full trial of some of the cases due to be held at the High Court in January 2025.
The publisher has previously denied unlawful activity took place at The Sun.
At a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, Mr Justice Fancourt said that the cases of all 42 people with live claims against NGN were “trial eligible”.
He added: “It is unlikely that more than four claims will be tried at the trial.”
Mr Justice Fancourt said both sides would say in December which of the cases, which also currently includes a claim by former Labour Party deputy leader Lord Watson of Wyre Forest, would be heard in the January trial.
Lawyers from both sides are expected to exchange lists in order of “preference” ahead of a hearing later that month to determine which cases will be heard.
The judge later said that the trial, expected to last up to eight weeks, could proceed with a larger number of less complicated claims, depending on whether there are settlements in the coming months.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.