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Dacre Claims Ignorance of Articles in Prince Harry Legal Battle

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. ce-of-articles-in-prince-harry-legal-battle.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 16:09 GMT by BBC
      Locales: England, UNITED KINGDOM

LONDON, February 10th, 2026 - The ongoing inquiry into the Mail on Sunday's publication of excerpts from Prince Harry's memoir, Spare, took a significant turn today as former Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre testified he was unaware of the specific articles that triggered the subsequent legal battle with the Duke of Sussex. Appearing before the inquiry, Dacre, who helmed the Daily Mail from 1994 to 2012, stated he did not personally review the pieces alleging bullying by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, towards royal staff. His testimony has ignited a renewed debate surrounding editorial processes, accountability, and the balance between public interest and privacy within the British tabloid press.

Dacre's assertion - that he was uninvolved in the commissioning, approval, or editing of the articles in question - is particularly striking given his long tenure as editor and the prominent role the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday have played in reporting on the Royal Family. He voiced concern over what he perceived as "a lack of any real editorial oversight" leading to the publication, implying a potential breakdown in established procedures. This raises crucial questions about who did authorize the publication of potentially defamatory claims, and what checks and balances were in place, or lacking, at the time.

The Mail on Sunday is vigorously defending its decision to publish the excerpts, arguing they served the public interest. However, Prince Harry's legal team contends that the publication constituted a breach of privacy and data protection regulations. The lawsuit centers around claims that the newspaper selectively quoted from Spare to create a misleading narrative, and that the published material caused significant distress to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The inquiry's purpose is not to determine guilt or innocence in the legal case itself, but rather to investigate the editorial decision-making process that led to the publication and the subsequent legal fallout.

This latest development comes amidst a broader reckoning within the British media landscape regarding its treatment of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Accusations of biased reporting, invasion of privacy, and relentless negative coverage have been levelled against several major publications. The couple's decision to step back as senior royals and relocate to the United States was, in part, attributed to what they described as the "toxic" media environment in the UK.

The inquiry's focus on editorial oversight is particularly pertinent. Traditionally, senior editors bear the ultimate responsibility for the content published under their watch. Dacre's denial of involvement suggests a possible delegation of authority or a loosening of editorial control in the years following his departure. This could point to a systemic issue within the organization, rather than an isolated incident. The inquiry is expected to delve deeper into the chain of command and the specific individuals who were responsible for signing off on the articles.

Legal experts suggest the inquiry's findings could have significant implications for future libel and privacy cases involving the press. If the inquiry determines that editorial processes were demonstrably flawed, it could strengthen Prince Harry's legal position and set a precedent for holding media outlets accountable for irresponsible reporting. It could also lead to calls for stricter regulations governing the publication of sensitive information and the protection of individual privacy.

Furthermore, the case has broader ramifications for the future of tabloid journalism. The public is increasingly demanding greater transparency and accountability from the media, and there is a growing awareness of the potential for harm caused by inaccurate or biased reporting. Publications that fail to adapt to these changing expectations risk losing public trust and credibility. The outcome of this inquiry, and the resulting scrutiny of editorial practices, could serve as a catalyst for much-needed reform within the industry.

The inquiry is scheduled to continue next week, with testimony expected from other key figures involved in the publication of the Spare excerpts. The full report, including recommendations for improving editorial standards, is anticipated later this year. The scrutiny of Paul Dacre's testimony underscores the complex interplay between freedom of the press, the right to privacy, and the responsibility of media outlets to ensure accuracy and fairness in their reporting.