Meghan seeks to delay trial in privacy case against newspaper

Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. AP Photo / Time

The Duchess of Sussex is seeking to delay the start of the trial in her privacy lawsuit against a British newspaper over its publication of excerpts from a letter she wrote to her father.

The former Meghan Markle made the request ahead of a preliminary hearing on the case scheduled for Thursday, court documents said.

The move comes after a ruling to allow a book on the decision by the duchess and her husband, Prince Harry, to step back from royal duties to be included in the case, opening up a new line of questioning.

The postponement application is the latest episode in the legal tussle that has served as a prelude to a 10-day trial scheduled to start in January.

The request will be considered on Thursday by High Court Judge Mark Warby during an online hearing that will begin in private.

Justin Rushbrooke, QC who is representing Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. AP Photo / Kirsty Wigglesworth

Meghan's civil lawsuit accuses the Mail on Sunday and its publisher, Associated Newspapers, of copyright infringement, misuse of private information and violating the UK's data protection law.

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Earlier this week The Duchess of Sussex, in her role as Patron of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), met with the bright minds from across the Commonwealth to hear about their commitment to tackling the global challenges we all face. The Duchess spoke with Scholars studying and researching important areas surrounding; cleaning up plastic pollution in our oceans, helping to build more sustainable cities, improving health outcomes for citizens, and supporting decent work and economic growth. Paving the way as the next generation of leaders, these inspirational scholars, are spread far across the Commonwealth from Malawi to Malaysia, Ghana to Sri Lanka – all of whom will use the skills and knowledge they gain while studying in the UK to make a difference when they return to their home countries. The Duchess, who also attended university with support of a scholarship, is a strong advocate of accessible education for all. As the Royal Patron of The Association of Commonwealth Universities (@The_ACU_Official) since January 2019, The Duchess has met and engaged with students, academics, and staff from ACU member universities across the Commonwealth to learn more about the vital work they do to address global challenges. As President and Vice President of The @Queens_Commonwealth_Trust, The Duke and Duchess thank all those who are working to give access to education for all.

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Mar 11, 2020 at 3:33pm PDT

The newspaper published excerpts of a letter Meghan wrote to her father after her and Harry's wedding in May, 2018.

The newly married Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, leave Windsor Castle after their wedding. AP Photo / Steve Parsons, Pool

The newspaper argues there is "huge and legitimate public interest in the royal family and the activities, conduct and standards of behaviour of its members" and maintains such interest extends "to their personal and family relationships because those are integral to the proper functioning of the monarchy".

- AP