On Tuesday evening the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced that they are commencing legal action against British newspaper The Mail on Sunday and its parent company Associated Newspapers in relation to the publication of private correspondence between the Duchess and her father.
Emma Woollcott, Partner and Head of Reputation Protection at Mishcon de Reya, commented:
"This case has been brought on three grounds: misuse of private information, infringement of copyright and breach of the Data Protection Act 2018.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have said that with this claim they are standing up against what they consider to be oppressive and bullying behaviour.
The letter in issue is clearly private - it is handwritten, addressed to “Daddy” and details the Duchess’ anguish at her father’s behaviour. Whilst this intimate correspondence may be fascinating for the public to read, it is difficult to see how its publication contributed to a story of genuine public interest.
Being a member of the Royal Family does not mean that you waive your fundamental human rights - each one of us is entitled to respect for our private life and correspondence."
Related Coverage:
BBC Breakfast
BBC Radio 4
The Express
The Times