Overview
- An official draft timetable confirms Prince Harry will spend a full day in the witness box on Jan. 22, with the trial opening Jan. 19 at London’s High Court.
- Judge Matthew Nicklin ordered Associated Newspapers to amend parts of its opening note after the publisher advanced a claimed “scheme of camouflage” and alleged serious wrongdoing by the claimants’ representatives.
- The court indicated that any arguments over payments to witnesses relate to credibility, while broader fraud claims must be properly pleaded if they are to be pursued.
- Private investigator Gavin Burrows now disputes a 2021 statement implicating him, alleges his signature was forged, and seeks to give evidence remotely with his location withheld due to safety concerns.
- ANL denies unlawful information-gathering as “preposterous smears,” and co-claimants including Elton John, David Furnish, Liz Hurley, Sadie Frost, Doreen Lawrence and Simon Hughes are due to give evidence, with some seeking to appear by video link.