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16 January 2020 / David Burrows
Issue: 7870 / Categories: Features , Media , Privacy
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Prince Harry & Meghan: bowing out?

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David Burrows on privacy, press freedom & the ‘Sussexes’

The latest in the story of Prince Harry and Meghan Markel (the ‘Sussexes’) and their aim of carving out new roles as hybrid royals was, I suspect (has it actually been confirmed?) part prompted by their tribulations of dealing with the British media. Involvement with the press (I think mostly of court proceedings) comes in a variety of forms. It affects ‘celebrities’ disproportionately (though as Naomi Campbell’s case (see below) shows, it may be said they asked for it); but it can affect us all: parents and children in care proceedings; anyone investigated by the police or involved in interesting (to the press) open court proceedings; and even some private proceedings cases.

English law on press freedom and privacy are derived from the common law, and developed alongside the European Convention on Human Rights 1950, mostly Arts 8 (respect for private and family life, ie privacy) and 10 (freedom of expression, ie publicity). To act for a ‘celebrity’ (‘figures of

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen appoints senior legal PR and ex-government communications adviser, Liz Giles

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott boosts Southampton commercial property team with addition of partner Lee Edwards

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors announces four promotions

NEWS
The Attorney General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, and Solicitor General, Andy Slaughter KC MP, marked the 25th anniversary of Pro Bono Week by joining lawyers, charities, students and parliamentarians at events celebrating voluntary legal work
An indemnity costs battle with a £20m gap could reopen an important question: what weight should an approved budget carry?
Possession claims are entering a new digital era, with procedural traps awaiting practitioners who assume familiar rules still govern every step
Witness evidence can be compromised by AI before a solicitor sees the draft, leaving safeguards focused on authorship incomplete
A polished legal defence may owe more to artificial intelligence than legal merit—and creditors risk paying the price in delay and expense
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