Prince Harry admits he decided to pursue legal case after chance meeting in France

Today the royal was grilled on when he first sought advice about a possible claim against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN).

Prince Harry told the High Court that he bumped into David Sherborne in France around 2018.

Harry said: "I didn’t go to them, I bumped into Mr Sherborne in France. It’s in my book."

The Duke of Sussex said that before he spoke to lawyers he had no concerns over any particular articles being the result of unlawful activity

Harry said: "No, I was never shown anything. It was all contained within the palace."

He added regarding his conversations with the lawyers: "I think it was a discussion about how to find a way to stop the abuse and intrusion that was coming against me and my wife…without relying on the institution’s lawyers."

On Tuesday, Prince Harry slammed the UK Government as "rock bottom" in an extraordinary political attack.

A 55-page statement was released as he began giving evidence in his phone hacking case against Mirror Group Newspapers.

Harry said: "Our country is judged globally by the state of our press and our Government – both of which I believe are at rock bottom."

He continued: "Democracy fails when your press fails to scrutinise and hold the Government accountable, and instead choose to get into bed with them so they can ensure the status quo."

In May, Prince Harry lost his security battle against the Home Office.

The royal was challenging the Home Office over his security arrangements when visiting the UK.

The Duke of Sussex was fighting to secure a judicial review over a decision that he should not be allowed to pay privately for his protective security.

Harry is now unable to bring a second High Court challenge against the Home Office.