Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have scored a “great win” with the settlement of a privacy lawsuit against paparazzi news agency, Splash News. The Sussexes filed the complaint about photos that were taken of the Duchess and her son Archie on a walk in a Vancouver Island park in January. HeirPod hosts Omid Scobie and Maggie Rulli discussed what impact the victory would have for the royals’ future.
Mr Scobie told listeners: “Splash News, which is currently in administration after suffering throughout this pandemic, were forced to essentially agree not to take photos of her, Harry or Archie should they ever resume trading again.
“The judge from a High Court heard from Meghan’s solicitor who said that the photos of Meghan walking her dogs with Archie were taken during a private family outing and should never have seen the light of day.
“So this is quite a win for the couple who have really been quite fearless when it comes to fighting for their own privacy.
“Now that they’re not part of the institution they’re really able to just take action as and when they see it necessary.”
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He added: “I think this is a great win for them, but it also sets a precedent for them in the future.
“I think it will really scare off a lot of the attention that they may have had when Covid restrictions ease in California and they’re out and about again.
“It may make other agencies think twice before pursuing them, which ultimately will have a great impact on their lives as a private family.”
Ms Rulli agreed, asking if her co-host was “surprised” by the verdict.
Mr Scobie said: “I think the couple know they’re rights.”
The royal commentator told listeners: “Obviously they know that they have roles within philanthropic space, and they want their work to be amplified, they want people to cover it.
“They also want to share private moments with the world when they choose on their own terms, such as this forthcoming Christmas card of the family that we’ll see soon.
“But I think they also know that they’re entitled to be able to walk in a private space or even be in their own backyard and be afforded that right to privacy that any other human being is entitled to.”
The Sussexes currently have another privacy lawsuit ongoing, which was filed in July this year.
This one pertains to drones being used to illegally photograph their son Archie at their home in Los Angeles.
