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Prince Harry Claims The Press Caused ‘Bouts Of Depression’ And ‘Paranoia’

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Leena Nasir Entertainment Reporter
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Prince Harry took the stand in London court Tuesday as part of a lawsuit against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) over allegations of wrongdoing from 1991 to 2011.

Harry was reportedly in court for roughly five hours, having missed his first court date Monday in order to attend his daughter’s birthday, his lawyer David Sherborne said. Harry called the press “vile” Tuesday and blamed the tabloids for destroying his youth, according to CBC News. MGN publishes Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror and Sunday People.

He reportedly fired off about the impact the press allegedly had on his relationships — namely his relationship with Chelsy Davy in the early 2000s. Harry claimed this caused his circle of friends to grow smaller, and brought on bouts of depression and paranoia, according to CBC.

Harry answered questions pertaining to 33 newspaper articles he claims are based on illegally-obtained information. He faced cross-examination in the witness box from MGN attorney Andrew Green, according to CBC.

Green’s opening statements reportedly included an apology to Harry for one instance the news corporation acknowledged was an unlawful gathering of information.

“It should never have happened and it will not happen again,” Green said, according to the outlet.

Harry insisted the press called him a “playboy prince” a “thicko” and a “failure” which he claimed had a direct impact on his personal life, CBC reported. (RELATED: Is Prince Harry About To Meet American Justice?)

“Looking back on it now, such behaviour on their part is utterly vile,” he wrote in a witness statement cited by the outlet.

Harry reportedly said the gossip columns in question brought “hatred and harassment” into his and wife Meghan Markle’s personal lives.

He is expected to attend court again for the second consecutive day Wednesday.