**Prince Harry Takes Stand in High-Stakes Court Battle Against U.K. Tabloid**

In a combative tone, Prince Harry testified Wednesday in his lawsuit against the publisher of the Daily Mail, insisting that the case was "in the public interest" and not just about him.

Harry and six other prominent figures, including Elton John and actress Elizabeth Hurley, have filed a lawsuit against Associated Newspaper Ltd., alleging that the company engaged in a "clear, systematic and sustained use of unlawful information gathering" over two decades. The celebrities claim that the publisher illegally spied on them by hiring private investigators to hack their phones, bug their cars, and access private records.

The trial is expected to last nine weeks, with a written verdict potentially coming months later. If Harry wins, it could give him a sense of vindication, but if he loses, it would be a significant blow in terms of cost and reputation.

**Harry's Testimony: A Personal Account**

Prince Harry took the stand at London's High Court, dressed in a dark suit and holding a small Bible in his right hand. He swore to "almighty God that the evidence I shall give will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth."

In a 23-page witness statement, Harry described how he was distressed and disturbed by the intrusion into his early life by the Mail and its sister publication the Mail on Sunday. He claimed that the constant media attention made him "paranoid beyond belief" and that it was not just about him, but also about holding Associated Newspapers accountable for their actions.

"There is obviously a personal element to bringing this claim, motivated by truth, justice and accountability, but it is not just about me," Harry said in his written statement. "I am determined to hold Associated accountable, for everyone's sake... I believe it is in the public interest."

**Cross-Examination: A Tense Exchange**

Defense lawyer Antony White began to put questions to Harry, trying to determine if the sourcing of the articles came from royal correspondents working their sources at official events or from friends and associates of the prince. Harry disputed suggestions that he had been cozy with journalists who covered the royal family.

As the questioning continued, Harry became increasingly defensive, saying: "If you complain, they double down on you in my experience." Justice Matthew Nicklin intervened, reminding Harry not to argue with White and telling him that he did not have to bear the burden of arguing the case.

**A Personal Cost**

Harry also spoke about the personal toll of the media attention on his wife Meghan's life, saying it had made her life "an absolute misery." He has previously stated that persistent press attacks led to their decision to leave royal life and move to the U.S. in 2020.

**A Legacy of Suffering**

Prince Harry has spoken about how he blames the media for his mother, Princess Diana's death, who was killed in a car crash while being pursued by paparazzi in Paris in 1997. He said that "vicious persistent attacks," harassment, and racist articles about Meghan had inspired him to break from family tradition and finally sue the press.

**What's at Stake**

As the trial unfolds, the stakes are high for Harry. If he wins, it could be a significant victory in his fight against the media. But if he loses, it would be a major blow to his reputation and finances. As one expert noted: "If Harry wins this case, it will give him a feeling... that he wasn't being paranoid all the time."