PRINCE Harry is set to give evidence against the Daily Mail publisher today — after the High Court was told he and others were “clutching at straws”.
He is one of seven complainants, including Sir Elton John, seeking damages from Associated Newspapers.
They claim journalists paid private investigators to intercept voicemails, tap into conversations and blag medical records.
Their actions had what barrister David Sherborne called “potentially serious security implications” for Harry.
Antony White KC, for the publisher, said yesterday that very little evidence of unlawful behaviour had been produced, adding: “They are examples of clutching at straws in the wind.”
Harry, who smiled and waved as he arrived at the London court yesterday, will be the first claimant to take to the witness box in the £39million case.
He left at lunch on day two, as did actress and fellow claimant Liz Hurley and her son Damian.
On Monday Harry arrived at court in a Range Rover, flanked by two private security guards, after flying 5,000 miles from his home in Montecito, California.
He shook hands with his solicitor and waved at reporters as he entered the building.
The Prince, who sat at the back of the courtroom next to his legal team, watched intently as the claimants’ barrister David Sherborne told the court in his opening speech that there was “clear, systematic and sustained use of unlawful information gathering” at Associated Newspapers.
Mr Sherborne alleged the publisher “knew they had skeletons in their closet”.
The court heard how the Prince was left “paranoid beyond belief” over his alleged targeting by journalists.
In extracts of his witness statement provided to the court, Harry described the suspected intrusion as “terrifying” for his loved ones.
