Britain’s government and press at rock bottom, Prince Harry tells court

Royal breaks with protocol and criticises Sunak administration, suggesting papers work with ministers to defend vested interests

Prince Harry has said Rishi Sunak’s government is at “rock bottom” and avoids scrutiny by getting “in bed” with friendly newspapers.

The prince once again broke with royal protocol by using his appearance in the phone-hacking trial to criticise a serving government. He said democracy in the UK was threatened because British media outlets were working with the government to maintain the “status quo”.