Prince Harry and Others Ordered to Pay $13 Million in Case

Prince Harry and six others, including Elton John, have been ordered to pay an initial £9.5 million ($13 million) to Associated Newspapers Ltd., the publisher of the Daily Mail, following their unsuccessful invasion of privacy case. Justice Matthew Nicklin ruled that the payment must be made by August 28.

The claimants, who alleged malpractice including illegal phone hacking, lost their High Court case in London last month. In his judgment, Justice Nicklin criticized the speculative nature of the claims and the unreasonable conduct of the claimants, who failed to withdraw unsupported serious allegations.

The publisher claimed to have incurred over £34 million in costs during the case, and if they pursue the claimants for the remaining costs, the group could face an additional £25 million charge. The claimants had taken out insurance for about half of that total.

They have until October 2 to respond to the ruling.