Prince Harry's High Court claim against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) is expected to go to trial in January 2026, with combined legal costs expected to exceed £38 million.
The case, which involves multiple high-profile individuals alongside the Duke of Sussex, was given a provisional trial date of January 14 2026 by Mr Justice Nicklin at a preliminary hearing on Tuesday.
The total legal costs for both parties are budgeted at more than £38 million, with the claimants' costs reaching £18.4 million and ANL's costs amounting to £19.85 million.
Lady Doreen Lawrence was present at the hearing where these details were revealed.
Prince Harry's High Court claim against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) is expected to go to trial in January 2026, with combined legal costs expected to exceed £38 million.
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The Duke of Sussex, 40, is part of a group including Sir Elton John, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Sadie Frost and Liz Hurley bringing the legal action.
The claimants accuse ANL of carrying out or commissioning various unlawful activities.
These alleged activities include placing listening devices inside cars and accessing private phone conversations.
The group also claims the publisher was involved in hiring private investigators, blagging private records and ordering burglaries.
The case, which involves multiple high-profile individuals alongside the Duke of Sussex, was given a provisional trial date of January 14 2026.
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In Harry's specific case, he alleges the publisher targeted him by unlawfully hacking voicemails and tapping landlines.
He also accuses ANL of obtaining itemised phone bills and flight information related to his former girlfriend, Chelsy Davy.
ANL strongly denies all allegations, describing them as "lurid" and "simply preposterous".
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In Harry's specific case, he alleges the publisher targeted him by unlawfully hacking voicemails and tapping landlines.
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The publisher previously attempted to have the case dismissed, arguing it had been brought "far too late".
However, the judge ruled last November that the challenge could continue.
Prince Harry attended a preliminary hearing for the case at Royal Courts of Justice in London in March 2023.
Mr Justice Nicklin emphasised the importance of progressing the case towards trial, though he noted the January 2026 date remains an "objective" that could change.
