In new court documents regarding Meghan Markle's ongoing lawsuit against Associated Newspapers, which she is suing for invasion of privacy and copyright infringement, the Duchess of Sussex's lawyer said the royal family's onslaught of "false and harmful articles by the British tabloid media against "(she) was prohibited from defending herself," he said. The constant media bullying faced by Princess Meghan caused "tremendous emotional distress and damage to her mental health," her lawyer said.

According to the BBC (opens in new tab), the court documents consist of responses from Meghan's lawyers to questions from the Associated Press. Meghan's lawyers were asked about an interview that five of her friends gave to People last year, to which they responded that "the plaintiff has been the subject of numerous false and damaging articles by the British tabloid media, particularly the defendants, causing great emotional distress and damage to her mental health."

"Her friends had never seen her in such a state," they continued, "and were understandably concerned for her well-being, especially as she was pregnant, not sheltered in an institution, and prohibited from defending herself.

According to ELLE.com (opens in new tab), unnamed sources close to the Sussexes said, "The Mail's defense relies heavily on the falsehood that the Duchess allowed or arranged for her friends to tell People magazine about the letter to her father. They argue that because the Duchess allowed her friends to tell her about the letter, she waived her right to privacy. Our response sets forth in absolute detail to prove that this is categorically untrue."

The Associated Press denied Meghan's claims and said it would defend itself against her lawsuit.

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