A private investigator, Dan Portley-Hanks, testified in the High Court that he carried out unlawful activities connected to Prince Harry while working for Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday.

The High Court case centers on Prince Harry, Sir Elton John, and Baroness Doreen Lawrence alleging unlawful information gathering by ANL.

Portley-Hanks acknowledged in his witness statement that he knew some of his actions relating to Prince Harry were unlawful, but he could not recall the exact details.

ANL rejected the allegations, arguing that Hart was induced by promises of regular payments and a book deal to provide claims, while Hart emailed that she felt overwhelmed and sought guidance on contacting the newspaper.

The court scrutinized claims of confessions and potential inducements or threats, with ANL's counsel disputing the evidentiary value of such confessions.

There is debate over whether alleged confessions were made, and whether allegations about corrupt payments to a police officer are supported by documents.

Graham Johnson, part of the defense’s research team, is expected to give evidence in the case.

Hart is accused of being a paid source tied to figures linked to Hugh Grant and the Hacked Off campaign, with reports she was offered significant money for notes.

Johnson, a convicted phone hacker connected to Hacked Off, first contacted Hart in 2016 and paid her for notes; Harris disputed the later claims of further incentives.

Credibility concerns surround Hart, with the defense highlighting allegations that she is a fantasist.

Emails show Portley-Hanks claimed he sometimes included information in reports he did not remove because he was viewed as lazy.

The trial, presided by Mr Justice Nicklin, is expected to conclude in March with a written judgment to follow.