Claims of unlawful information gathering surrounding articles about Prince Harry are firmly denied by Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), the publisher of the Daily Mail and the Mail on Sunday. The controversy involves journalist Katie Nicholl, who has faced allegations of phone hacking related to seven articles she wrote about the Duke of Sussex. Nicholl asserts that her connections, which include members of Harry's social circle, provided her with legitimate insights into his life, dismissing hacking allegations as “nonsense.”
In her testimony, Nicholl emphasized her network of contacts among aristocrats and socialites who informed her about Harry's social engagements. She mentioned that these sources had close ties to the prince, often sharing details about his relationships and activities. Among her contacts were the late Tara Palmer Tomkinson and Elizabeth Anson, who was related to Queen Elizabeth II.
Nicholl also referred to a confidential source from Harry's inner circle, claiming this individual was privy to conversations involving the prince. She expressed concern that the phone-hacking accusations could harm her career, stating that references to phone calls do not equate to illegal surveillance. The allegations have drawn attention from various public figures, including Baroness Doreen Lawrence and Sir Elton John.