The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have initiated legal proceedings against the Mail on Sunday and its parent company Associated Newspapers on the basis of the publication of a private letter written by Meghan Markle.

Commenting, Hacked Off Policy Manager Nathan Sparkes said,

“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been subjected to sustained press abuse over the last 12 months. They have a right to basic standards of privacy and for reporting about them to reflect the truth; rights which elements of the press have callously disregarded in pursuit of sensational headlines. “The Duke and Duchess have been able to afford legal action, but for every well-resourced person affected by press intrusions there are dozens who do not have the funds to seek justice through the courts. For them, there is no remedy for newspaper abuse - even if it is illegal. “Until this Government introduces the Leveson system of independent press regulation complete with a compulsory system of arbitration to resolve cases of alleged illegality on a low-cost basis, they will continue to fail all of the victims of press abuse and deprive the public of access to justice.”

More to follow tomorrow.