Meghan Markle won her arm wrestling match against Associated Newspapers on Thursday 11 February. A victory tarnished by the holding of another trial for the copyright of her intimate letter. Explanations.
A victory in her crusade against the press. The verdict is in: Meghan Markle will not be forced into a legal confrontation with her father. This Thursday, February 11 marks a triumphant day for the Duchess of Sussex. She won her case against Associated Newspapers Limited, the parent company of the British tabloids The Mail on Sunday and The Mail Online.
However, the drama surrounding her letter to Thomas Markle is far from over. While another hearing is scheduled for 2 March 2021, “to decide the issues arising from this judgment” according to ITV journalist Chris Ship, another trial will take place according to the tabloid The Sun. Namely, “an explosive battle for copyright” of this intimate text.
While Judge Mark Warby acknowledged that the publication of this letter in the press constitutes a violation of Meghan Markle’s privacy, he expressed doubts about its author. The British judiciary will have to look into this question in order to determine whether Prince Harry’s wife did in fact write this text alone… or whether Jason Knauf, the former communications secretary of Sussex, can be considered a “co-author” of the fateful letter.
Knauf is one of the “Palace Four” along with Christian Jones, his deputy, Samantha Cohen, the couple’s former private secretary, and Sara Latham, former communications director. A group that would have been involved in writing the letter from Archie’s mother.
The “Palace Four” soon to be heard?
Ready to testify at the trial of Meghan Markle against Associated Newspapers Limited, they have however refused to be further involved in the litigation. “None of our clients welcome their possible involvement in this case, which arises solely from the performance of the duties of their respective jobs at the material time,” their lawyers said.
They stressed their clients’ obligation of confidentiality and neutrality. “They have no interest in assisting any of the parties to the proceedings”. The “Palace Four” no longer work for the services of the Crown rebels since their departure for the other side of the Atlantic. A new aspect of the case that could rekindle tensions with the Firm?
Photo credits : AGENCY / BESTIMAGE