Spencer family rift deepens as Prince Harry’s lawyer takes on new court battle
WATCH NOW: Prince Harry's lawyer David Sherborne reading a statement
GB News
Prince Harry's barrister David Sherborne is set to represent Countess Karen Spencer in her legal battle against Earl Spencer, potentially creating tension within the Spencer family.
The high-profile lawyer, who represents the Duke of Sussex in his various High Court claims against the tabloid press, will now find himself on opposing sides of a family dispute.
Countess Spencer's defence has already been lodged with the High Court, bearing Sherborne's signature.
The legal document has reportedly made an uncomfortable reading for Earl Spencer, who strongly rejected his estranged wife's claims.
Spencer family rift deepens as Prince Harry’s lawyer takes on new court battle
Getty
The case places Sherborne in a delicate position, as he continues to represent Prince Harry whilst taking on a case against Harry's uncle, Earl Spencer.
Sherborne is currently representing Prince Harry in several significant legal battles against media organisations.
In January, he will lead the duke's eight-week trial against News Group Newspapers, publishers of The Sun, concerning alleged unlawful information gathering and privacy invasion.
The duke faces potentially four days of "extensive" questioning during the trial, which begins the week of January 20.
David Sherborne reads a statement after Harry was awarded £140,600 after bringing a phone hacking claim against Mirror Group Newspapers
PA
Having already secured a victory for Prince Harry against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), Sherborne will also represent him in a 2026 case against Associated Newspapers.
The Associated Newspapers case will see Sherborne represent not only the duke, but also other high-profile figures including Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Sir Elton John, David Furnish, Sadie Frost, Liz Hurley and former Lib Dem MP Sir Simon Hughes.
Earl Spencer has strongly denounced his wife's claims as an "absurd attempt to blacken my name."
The family dispute has drawn in additional parties, with Dr Catrine Jarman, described as the earl's "long-term mistress," also responding to the allegations.
Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of the Duke of Sussex with his counsel David Sherborne giving evidence during the phone hacking trial against Mirror Group Newspapers
PA
Dr Jarman told a newspaper that Countess Spencer had mounted a "hideous and defamatory attack" on her.
The legal battle has thrust Sherborne into yet another high-profile case, adding to his growing portfolio of contentious media and family disputes.
The barrister, who works for chambers 5RB, specialises in privacy, confidentiality and defamation cases.
The connection between Prince Harry and Sherborne was initially forged through Sir Elton John and his husband during a holiday in France.
Earl Charles Spencer with his estranged wife in 2018 at Prince Harry's wedding
PA
Prince Harry has previously credited Sherborne with the idea of pursuing legal action against media organisations.
During his MGN trial in 2023, the duke described Sherborne as "a lovely fellow who knew more about the phone-hacking scandal than anyone I'd ever met."
Sherborne has established himself as an expert in media and communication law.
His expertise specifically covers privacy, confidentiality and defamation cases, making him a sought-after barrister for high-profile clients.
His representation of both Prince Harry and now Countess Spencer demonstrates his continued prominence in significant media and family law cases.
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