Prince Harry and his ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy dated on and off throughout the noughties, calling it off once and for all in 2011.
The two clearly had a strong connection, and according to new court documents filed by Prince Harry's lawyer, their relationship might have continued were it not for alleged press intrusion into their private lives (of course, there is no guarantee that this would have been the case—relationships are obviously complicated).
In short, though, Prince Harry appears to blame Mirror Group Newspapers, publishers of the Daily Mirror, for at least partly causing the breakdown of his and Davy's relationship.
This has emerged as part of a court case against MGN which began this week.
In one document seen by the Guardian, lawyer David Sherborne wrote that Harry "became immediately suspicious of anyone named in stories about him and felt that he could not trust anybody, even at such a young age. It also caused great challenges in his relationship with his ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy, and made him fear for his and her safety."
Sherborne continued, "Every time he was in a relationship, or even a rumored relationship, that whole person’s family, and often their friends, would be 'dragged into the chaos' and find themselves the subject of unlawful activity on the part of MGN."
The lawyer went on to claim that MGN journalists followed the prince and Davy to Mozambique, where they had wanted to "enjoy some peace and quiet," and said that the couple was never alone.
He concluded, "Ultimately, MGN’s activities led Ms Davy to make the decision that 'a royal life was not for her,' which was 'incredibly upsetting' for the Duke of Sussex at the time. They also caused their circle of friends to become smaller and smaller, meaning that friendships were lost entirely unnecessarily, and led to 'huge bouts of depression and paranoia.'"
Harry's case against MGN is one of several he's currently involved in, including the one against Associated Newspapers which brought him to London in March to testify. The duke is expected to testify in the case against MGN this coming June.
The example of Davy was presumably used as just one illustration of the ways Harry perceived tabloid journalists to be making his life more difficult. Of course, both parties have since moved on. Harry himself is now married to Meghan Markle, with whom he shares two children, while Davy is married to Sam Cutmore-Scott, and has one son with him.
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.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Kelly Clarkson Claims Her Ex-Husband Owes Her Even More Money After He Allegedly "Violated Labor Laws" as Her Manager
The "Stronger" star was already awarded $2.6 million in a previous lawsuit.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Robert Downey Jr. Discusses the Highs and Lows of His Career After Oscar Win
"I think if you develop a moral psychology, things are a lot easier."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Anne Hathaway Steals the Show at SXSW Movie Premiere in a Sparkling Mini Dress
The 'Les Míserables' star's red carpet look featured geometric highlights.
By Danielle Campoamor 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