Prince Harry Phone-Hacking Case: Law Firm Reportedly Goes Bankrupt

Prince Harry has acknowledged a sudden twist in his legal fight over alleged phone hacking, as a law firm intricate in the case has reportedly gone bankrupt.

The Telegraph reports, Thomson Heath Jenkins, which played a significant role in the failed privacy claim against the publisher of the Daily Mail, has called in bankruptcy practitioners and closed its office. A source at the firm reportedly described the news as a shock for staff.

The firm jointly instructed lawyers representing seven high-profile claimants in the case, including the Duke of Sussex, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Sir Elton John, his husband David Furnish, Liz Hurley, Sadie Frost and Sir Simon Hughes.

Mark Thomson, who founded the firm in 2009 and owns all its shares, served as the coordinating solicitor for the group. He also personally represented Frost and Hughes. Seven lawyers from the firm reportedly worked on the case.

In July, the claimants lost their High Court action and now face a potential legal costs bill of up to £34 million. The court’s costs decision has added further pressure to the group as it considers its next legal steps.

The claimants have until November 6 to file an appeal. They are reportedly preparing challenges to both the costs order and parts of the judgment.

The law firm’s reported closure comes as the high-profile legal dispute continues to face uncertainty.