HRH the Duchess of Sussex v Associated Newspapers Ltd

HRH the Duchess of Sussex v Associated Newspapers Ltd

The trial was adjourned because the confidential ground was sufficient, there was no significant prejudice to the defendant, and the key witness's evidence was not essential or at risk due to the delay.

Parties
Claimant: HRH The Duchess of Sussex; Defendant: Associated Newspapers Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
18 November 2020
Procedural Posture
Civil / Interlocutory Application for Adjournment
Outcome
Application to adjourn granted
Legal Topics
Adjournment of Trial, Misuse of Private Information, Article 8 ECHR, Article 10 ECHR
Civil Procedure Media Law Privacy Adjournment of Trial Misuse of Private Information Article 8 ECHR Article 10 ECHR

Case Brief

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Parties

HRH The Duchess of Sussex

Claimant

Associated Newspapers Limited

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Interlocutory Application for Adjournment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the trial should be adjourned on confidential grounds
  2. 2 Whether adjournment would cause prejudice to the defendant

Ratio Decidendi

The trial was adjourned because the confidential ground was sufficient, there was no significant prejudice to the defendant, and the key witness's evidence was not essential or at risk due to the delay.

Court Disposition

Application to adjourn granted

Orders

  • Trial date of 11 January 2021 vacated
  • Trial adjourned to Autumn 2021