Prince Harry and six other high-profile figures lost a privacy lawsuit against Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Daily Mail. The ruling means they may eventually have to pay more than twice the initial sum of $13 million, a judge said.

The group included Elton John and other celebrities who sued the publisher over alleged privacy violations. The court found in favor of Associated Newspapers, determining that the plaintiffs did not meet the legal threshold for their claims.

This decision marks a significant victory for the publisher, which has faced multiple lawsuits from public figures in recent years. The judge indicated that additional damages could be awarded, potentially increasing the total payout beyond $26 million.

Legal experts note that the case highlights the challenges celebrities face when attempting to protect their privacy through the courts, particularly when dealing with media organizations. The plaintiffs have not yet announced whether they plan to appeal the ruling.