- Back in October 2019, Meghan Markle sued the Daily Mail. On Friday, that hearing officially kicked off.
- Among Meghan and Prince Harry's legal team is none other than David Sherborne, who once represented Princess Diana.
- In April, the couple officially cut ties with the British press.
In October 2019, Meghan Markle (with Prince Harry's support) sued The Daily Mail and its parent company Associated Newspapers over publishing a private letter to her father. Those legal proceedings officially kicked off today, and the couple—no surprise—have an ace legal team working with them, per HELLO!. And one of them is noted celebrity lawyer Barrister David Sherborne, who actually represented Princess Diana too.
Sherborne specializes in "privacy, confidentiality and defamation," and he's worked on phone hacking cases including with actor Hugh Grant. He's also apparently represented Chelsea Clinton, Kate Moss, Kate Winslet, Sir Elton John, the Spice Girls, and the Trumps. Princess Diana often said she felt harassed and threatened by the paparazzi's intrusion in her life, and a reporter was even convicted for invasion of her privacy. So it makes sense that Harry, who referenced the press' treatment of Diana as an important reason why he and Meghan resigned as senior royals, might turn to someone who tried to help protect his mother's safety too.
According to royal reporter Omid Scobie, the hearing against The Daily Mail started today at 10:30 a.m. BST (5:30 a.m. EST), and Meghan and Harry are expected to listen in on parts of the hearing (which is being conducted virtually):
The first hearing in the Duchess of Sussex's lawsuits against the Mail on Sunday will take place today. It is being held virtually in front of the High Court's Mr Justice Warby (of the Queen's Bench Division) at 10:30am.https://t.co/MqIvSzRAJGApril 24, 2020
Apparently the pair "see today's hearing as a procedural step in a longer legal process" but encouraged by the hearing moving forward. Before a trial happens, there also has to be a case management conference, "which is a chance for the court to identify and understand what the real issues in dispute are and to consider whether they can be narrowed."
So we have a little ways to go before anything comes out officially on this, but stayed tuned—it sounds like it's going to be quite a process.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Related Stories
Katherine’s a Boston-based contributor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle—from “Clueless” to Everlane to news about Lizzo. She’s been a freelancer for 11 years and has had roles with Cosmopolitan and Bustle, with bylines in Parents, Seventeen, and elsewhere. It’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
-
Kourtney Kardashian Barker Loves Her Postpartum Body, Thank You Very Much
After a body shaming troll tried to tear her down, she reminded them that her body “gave me my 3 big babies and my little baby boy.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Clara Bow’s Great-Granddaughters React to Taylor Swift’s ’The Tortured Poets Department' Song Named After the Famous Actress
They “couldn’t believe” Swift named a song after the 1920s star.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Here’s How to Get Out of a Speeding Ticket, According to Zendaya and Tom Holland
Unfortunately, the rest of us might not be able to use this tactic.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published