Prince Harry sent messages full of insinuations through Facebook to Charlotte Griffiths, a reporter for Daily Mail, between December 2011 and January 2012, according to documents presented to Supremo Tribunal from Reino Unido. The records are part of the lawsuit filed by the Duke of Sussex against Associated Newspapers Limited, publisher of Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday. The exchanges took place long before Harry began his relationship with Meghan Markle. The prince denies having maintained prolonged contact after discovering the journalist’s profession.
Conteúdo of messages revealed in court
The conversations show Harry initiating contact with Griffiths using only the initial “H” as identification. Ele sent virtual kisses on several occasions and affectionate expressions throughout the exchanges. Griffiths responded in a relaxed manner and the two shared phone numbers. Records indicate that Harry commented on weekends, social gatherings and intimate moments, using terms such as “sugar” in some messages.
- Harry stated that it was the best weekend he had ever had.
- Ele signed messages with “xxx” and “mwah” (virtual kisses).
- The reporter nicknamed him “Mr. Travessura” in one of the conversations.
- Documentos cite references to hugs during movies and affectionate expressions.
The prince reportedly said he wanted to be present at a party and mentioned missing cuddly moments at the movies. Ele responded to comments about weekends of shenanigans confirming that it had been great. The reporter commented that she missed him on a recent date, and Harry reportedly responded that he was very upset about missing the occasion.
Versões conflicting about contact duration
Harry told the court that he only met Griffiths once and cut off contact immediately after finding out she was a journalist. The reporter’s version differs significantly, indicating that the two were together at a party in June 2012. Registros phone calls allegedly show a call between them at 2:50 am that night and three text messages the following morning.
Associated Newspapers’s defense used the messages to question aspects of the privacy action filed by Harry. The lawyers highlighted that the prince maintained friendly contact with the journalist for a considerable period. Harry denied using the nickname “Mr. Travessura” and reiterated that the relationship was brief and isolated. Griffiths maintained that the interactions were more extensive than the Duke described in his testimony.
Contexto from privacy lawsuit against publisher
Sussex’s Duke accuses Associated Newspapers of using illicit methods to obtain private data over years. The lawsuit covers an extensive period of time and includes claims of hacking and invasion of privacy. Harry is one of seven complainants, alongside figures like Elton John and other personalities who faced similar situations with the publisher.
The old messages featuring Griffiths emerged as part of the evidence presented in the final phase of the court hearings. The material was used to contextualize the relationship between Harry and the journalist, serving as a basis for questioning the credibility of the narratives presented by both parties during the testimonies.
Andamento process and next steps
The judge responsible for the case continues to analyze the evidence presented by the parties. Associated Newspapers argues that the allegations are unfounded and that the cases were filed after the appropriate deadline in some aspects. Harry and the other complainants seek compensation for the alleged damages caused by the publication of information obtained irregularly.
The hearings included testimony and documents detailing alleged questionable journalistic practices. Ainda there is no defined date for the publication of the final decision of Supremo Tribunal of Reino Unido, which continues to evaluate the material to decide on the compensation requests and other measures requested by the complainants.
