The revelations emerged as part of an 11-week High Court trial against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), which concluded on Tuesday, March 31. Prince Harry has accused the publisher of conducting:
“An endless pursuit, a campaign, an obsession with having every aspect of my life under surveillance so they could get the run on their competitors.”
Harry, now 41, joined others including Elizabeth Hurley, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Sir Elton John, and David Furnish in suing ANL over alleged misuse of private information and unlawful information-gathering methods. ANL has denied all allegations, and a final ruling is expected at a later date.
‘Flirty’ Exchanges Presented in Court
During closing arguments, messages described as “flirty” between Prince Harry and journalist Charlotte Griffiths, dating from late 2011 to early 2012, were introduced as evidence.
According to court proceedings, the pair connected after meeting at a party, with Harry later adding Griffiths on Facebook and sharing his phone number. In one message, he wrote:
“It’s H, incase you were confused by the name and picture!!! X.”
Other messages showed a more informal tone, with Harry referring to Griffiths as “sugar” and mentioning “movie snuggles.” He also signed off messages with phrases like “mwah” and multiple kisses.
In one exchange, he wrote:
“Just wish I could have been there … especially now that you’re there! Dou ever work?!!…. Hope you’re really well Griff … Miss our movie snuggles!! I’m off comms all week incase u think I’m being rude,keep me posted xxx xxx xxx.”
Friendly Banter and Personal Details
Earlier messages showed a playful dynamic between the two. Griffiths referred to Harry as “Mr Mischief,” writing:
“What a fun weekend of naughtiness – can’t we all get up to no good in the countryside every weeked damn it?? Smooches.”
She signed off as “CG String” with three kisses.
Harry responded in kind:
“What a crowd. Never laughed so much in 24hrs!! Mr mischief? How do I get that title,”
“l was surely no worse than anyone else!!”.
He also joked about a formal engagement, adding:
“l had to make polite conversation with strange people at a dinner last night.begging them for money for charity! Really fun.not.”
Context Behind the Messages
The messages contrast with Prince Harry’s earlier claim that he had only met Griffiths once at a party hosted by a mutual acquaintance, film producer Arthur Landon.
In January, Harry stated that he cut off contact after discovering she was a journalist. The court heard that once he realized her profession, he “had words” with his friend, after which their communication ended.
With the trial now concluded, the judge confirmed he would be “toiling away on the judgment” following Easter, though no timeline for the final decision has been provided.
As the case continues, the disclosure of these personal messages has added another layer to the broader debate over privacy, media practices, and the boundaries between public figures and the press.
