Royal sources ‘shocked’ after Meghan Markle wins High Court privacy battle as ‘Palace four’ were ready to give evidence

reports they were ready to testify to make sure there was a "level playing field" in the case. 

The other three aides in the Palace Four who worked for Meghan include private secretary Samantha Cohen, communication secretary Sara Latham and deputy communication secretary Christian Jones — who is now Prince William’s private secretary.

The newspaper understands as a "credible collective", they were keen to give their "recollection of events".

It’s like the judge decided the evidence was irrelevant

Royal source

One royal source said "it’s like the judge decided the evidence was irrelevant", while another said they were "shocked" by the judgment. 

In an earlier hearing, a letter on behalf of the Palace Four confirmed "one or more of them" might be able to "shed some light" on "relevant matters" which included the creation of the letter and whether Meghan "anticipated that the letter might come into the public domain". 

An Associated Newspapers source told the Sunday Times: "We are astonished that the judge doesn’t want to hear the evidence from the Palace Four when they say they are willing to give evidence and can shed light on the creation of the letter and whether she anticipated it would become public."

APPEAL POSSIBLE

An Associated Newspaper spokesman said the publisher was 2carefully considering whether to appeal".

In a statement released after the ruling, Meghan thanked her husband Prince Harry and mum Doria Ragland for their support.

She said: "For me and so many others, it's real life, real relationships and very real sadness.

"The damage they have done and continue to do runs deep.

"But, for today, with this comprehensive win on both privacy and copyright, we have all won.

"I share this victory with each of you - because we all deserve justice and truth, and we all deserve better.

"I particularly want to thank my husband, mom and legal team, and especially (her solicitor) Jenny Afia for her unrelenting support throughout this process."

Meghan also launched a stinging attack on the media, saying: "."

The judgment found the publication of the letter also infringed Meghan's copyright but added the issue of whether she was the 'sole author' of the letter should be determined at trial.