In a dramatic twist to Prince Harry‘s ongoing legal battle, serious allegations have emerged suggesting that he may have intentionally destroyed crucial evidence related to his phone-hacking claim against News Group Newspapers, the publisher of The Sun.
This revelation has prompted Mr. Justice Fancourt to demand a comprehensive explanation from the Duke of Sussex regarding the destruction of drafts from his memoir, *Spare*, and messages exchanged with his ghostwriter, JL Moringa.
The judge has raised significant concerns about the deletion of these documents, which may have contained vital information related to unlawful information gathering.
He pointed out that the deletions occurred after the legal action was initiated in 2019, raising questions about the timing and intent behind these actions.
Justice Fancourt has insisted on efforts to recover the deleted messages between Harry and Moringa, emphasizing the gravity of the situation as the case was already underway when the documents vanished.
Adding another layer to this complex legal saga, the judge has instructed Harry’s legal team to contact key figures such as Sir Clive Alderton, the King’s private secretary, and Sir Michael Stevens, the treasurer and keeper of the Privy Purse.
They are required to submit all records of their communications with the Duke, further complicating the unfolding drama.
The implications of this case stretch far beyond the courtroom, potentially igniting a constitutional crisis.
Reports indicate that a meeting of constitutional experts was held at Buckingham Palace to discuss the ramifications of the court’s orders.
The consequences of failing to comply with the court’s demands could lead to serious accusations against the King himself, including perverting the course of justice.
If it is proven that Prince Harry intentionally destroyed evidence, he could face severe legal repercussions.
Charges such as perjury or attempting to obstruct justice could result in significant penalties, including the possibility of being removed from his role as Councillor of State.
However, his position in the line of succession, protected under the Regency Acts of 1943, 1937, and 1953, complicates any attempts at removal.
The publishers involved in the case have requested access to emails, text messages, and WhatsApp communications sent and received by Prince Harry, along with data stored on two encrypted hard drives.
The lack of documentation provided by Harry’s legal team has raised eyebrows, with concerns surfacing about the destruction of a substantial number of relevant documents and confidential messages between 2021 and 2023—well after the lawsuit had commenced.
Justice Fancourt has called for clarity on this matter, instructing Harry to provide a witness statement detailing what happened to the messages exchanged with his ghostwriter.
He noted that it seems inherently likely that discussions took place concerning parts of *Spare* that touch on unlawful information gathering.
The potential fallout from this investigation could be monumental.
If the King’s private secretary and the Keeper of the Privy Purse discover that Prince Harry deliberately misled the court or attempted to conceal evidence, it could escalate into a major constitutional crisis.
They are legally bound to report their findings, which could expose Harry to charges of perjury.
The unusual nature of the destruction of drafts and research has not gone unnoticed.