Prince Harry’s emotional testimony at London’s High Court on January 21, 2026, in his privacy lawsuit against Associated Newspapers—the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday—revealed layers of personal pain, including a reference to his former girlfriend Chelsy Davy that has fueled speculation about Meghan Markle’s private response. As one of several high-profile claimants including Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley, Harry accused the outlet of unlawful information gathering spanning decades, from phone hacking to surveillance, tactics he said destroyed past relationships and intensified attacks on his current family.

In his detailed 23-page witness statement, Harry listed 10 individuals he was in regular contact with during the periods covered by the alleged intrusions, to demonstrate his “not leaky” social circle and argue that sensitive details could only come from illegal means. Among them were his estranged brother Prince William, sister-in-law Kate Middleton, father King Charles, and notably, ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy. Harry described their on-and-off relationship from 2004 to mid-2010 as long-distance, reliant on phone calls and voicemails for intimate sharing. He expressed deep concern over media intrusion into their lives, stating that Associated Newspapers published stories about her that made her feel “hunted” and terrified him, fearing “something bad was going to happen.”

Harry elaborated on specific incidents, including journalists obtaining Chelsy’s flight details and suggesting planting reporters near her, actions he called “deeply disturbing.” He insisted he never suspected Chelsy of leaking but worried about her friends or external blagging. The mention of Davy—his most significant pre-Meghan romance—stood out in the courtroom, as Harry fought to prove systematic breaches that extended beyond his current marriage.

Throughout the nearly two-hour testimony, Harry grew visibly emotional, particularly when addressing the impact on Meghan. His voice cracked as he declared, “They continue to come after me, they have made my wife’s life an absolute misery, my Lord.” He described Meghan enduring “vicious persistent attacks,” harassment, and sometimes racist coverage since their relationship went public in 2016. The pressure during her pregnancy and after Archie’s birth, he said, contributed to their 2020 decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to California.

Meghan, who has faced her own successful legal action against the Mail on Sunday over a private letter to her father, has remained silent publicly on Harry’s latest court appearance. No statements, social media posts, or comments from her representatives have addressed the testimony or the inclusion of Chelsy Davy in the contact list. Sources close to the couple suggest Meghan supports Harry’s pursuit of accountability, viewing it as essential for protecting their children Archie and Lilibet from similar invasions. Yet her absence from the UK—Harry traveled alone—and lack of visible reaction have sparked online debate: Is it deliberate privacy, quiet solidarity, or underlying discomfort with revisiting his past relationships in such a public forum?

The trial, projected to last nine weeks, centers on 14 articles from 2001-2013, many focusing on Harry’s pre-Meghan romances, including Chelsy and later Cressida Bonas. Harry’s team argues details like holiday plans, sleeping arrangements, and private conversations could only stem from unlawful methods. Associated Newspapers denies wrongdoing, insisting stories came from legitimate sources, and cross-examination has probed Harry’s past media interactions and alleged “leaky” friends.

Harry’s emotional state peaked when discussing Meghan, choking back tears as he left the witness box. He rejected defense claims of cozy press ties, insisting suspicion would lead him to cut contact immediately. The testimony evoked his mother’s Princess Diana’s experiences, reinforcing his motivation to break the royal “never complain, never explain” tradition.

Public reaction has been polarized. Supporters praise Harry’s courage in confronting press excesses that contributed to family rifts and personal trauma. Critics question whether dredging up exes like Chelsy—now married with children—serves the case or risks reopening old wounds for Meghan. Online forums buzz with theories: Does mentioning past trusts subtly contrast with current family strains, including the William rift? Or does it simply underscore long-term patterns of intrusion?

Meghan’s silence aligns with her post-royal approach—focusing on projects like her Netflix series, podcast, and advocacy rather than engaging tabloid battles directly. Yet in private, insiders say she feels vindicated by Harry’s stand, seeing it as protecting their life in Montecito from the scrutiny that once overwhelmed her.

As the case proceeds, Harry’s reference to Chelsy Davy serves as a reminder of how media pursuit strained his earlier relationships, potentially heightening empathy for Meghan’s ordeal. Whether her quiet stance masks hurt, strength, or strategy remains speculation. The High Court drama continues, with Harry’s fight for privacy—and by extension, Meghan’s peace—far from over. The world awaits further revelations, while the Sussexes navigate the fallout from afar, bound by shared resolve against the forces that once threatened to tear them apart.