On the fourth day of Prince Harry’s hearing against British newspaper group Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), journalist and Finding Freedom author Omid Scobie testified in the High Court in London. He claimed to have been aware of “immoral” phone hacking practices at the MGN during his work experience there, but asserted that he had never personally listened to private voicemails.
During the ongoing seven-week-long trial, evidence has emerged of the unlawful gathering of information from high-profile individuals including Prince Harry. As a journalist regularly covering royal affairs, Scobie was called to testify as a witness.
Despite being considered a friend of Meghan Markle’s, Scobie maintained that he did not have a personal relationship with Prince Harry or the Duchess of Sussex. When cross-examined by MGN’s lawyer, he denied having a vested interest in representing the couple in a positive light to advance his career.
“I don’t have a close relationship [with the Duke and Duchess] personally,” Scobie stated, emphasizing that he waited for other people to post press releases from the couple’s team so as to avoid Daily Mail articles claiming that the information came from him.
The Finding Freedom author admitted that the treatment of the Sussexes in his book was favourable, but denied that his sympathies lay with the couple. Rather, he claimed that he had access to deeper insights and sources than other journalists.
“I haven’t only leant on palace aids and sources for information,” he told the High Court. He also clarified that he did not know Prince Harry on a personal level and had never socialized with him.
Scobie’s testimony is just one aspect of Prince Harry’s legal proceedings against the MGN group. The prince is seeking damages for the publication of a story that he claims was obtained by illegally intercepting his voicemails. The trial is expected to continue for several more weeks.
As the controversy surrounding the treatment of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle by the British media continues, Scobie’s testimony sheds light on the behind-the-scenes workings of the industry. However, the outcome of the trial and its implications for the future of press ethics in the UK remains to be seen.
