David Sherborne: The Barrister Behind Major UK Media Cases
From the Leveson Inquiry to Prince Harry’s newspaper cases, here are the court records and career facts that explain his work.
Introduction
David Sherborne is a barrister at 5RB in London. David Sherborne handles privacy, defamation and other media cases. Many readers know him as Prince Harry’s lawyer, though his work in this field goes back much further.
His record includes major wins. It also includes a major loss in 2026. Both matter if you want a fair account of his career.
Quick Facts
- Full name: David Alexander Sherborne
- Profession: Barrister
- Chambers: 5RB, London
- Main work: Privacy, defamation, confidentiality and media law
- Called to the Bar: October 1992
- Inn of Court: Gray’s Inn
- Education: New College, Oxford; College of Law, London; Inns of Court School of Law
- Current status: Listed as practising by the Bar Standards Board as of September 2026
Education and Start in Law
David Sherborne studied Classics at New College, Oxford, from 1986 to 1990. David Sherborne earned first-class honours. He then completed his legal training in London before being called to the Bar in October 1992.
That path may surprise readers. His degree was in Classics, while the cases that made him widely known concern what newspapers may publish and how they obtain information.
The Cases That Built His Public Profile
An early case involved photographs of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones’s wedding. Sherborne worked on the Douglas v Hello! litigation over unauthorised pictures. It became one of the cases associated with his privacy practice.
Then came the Leveson Inquiry. During the 2011–12 inquiry into the culture and practices of the press, he acted as counsel for victims who were core participants. His role placed him in a public examination of press conduct.
In 2014, he represented Paul Weller’s children in a successful privacy claim. The case concerned photographs of the children published by MailOnline.
His client list extends beyond those cases. According to 5RB, he has represented Princess Diana, Sir Elton John and other well-known figures.
Coleen Rooney and Prince Harry
In 2022, Sherborne represented Coleen Rooney when Rebekah Vardy sued her for libel. The High Court dismissed Vardy’s claim. The dispute drew wide attention, but the court’s decision is the key fact: Rooney won the case.
Prince Harry’s newspaper claims brought Sherborne back into the headlines. In December 2023, the High Court awarded Harry £140,600 in damages in his case against Mirror Group Newspapers.
Another case ended through a settlement. In January 2025, Harry settled his claim against News Group Newspapers, which issued an apology. Sherborne spoke for Harry following the agreement.
What Happened in the 2026 Associated Newspapers Case?
This was a loss for his clients.
Sherborne acted for seven claimants, including Prince Harry and Sir Elton John, who brought claims against Associated Newspapers. They alleged unlawful information gathering. The publisher disputed the claims.
On 7 July 2026, the High Court dismissed the claims. The judge found that the claimants had not proved their allegations. A further ruling on 21 August ordered them to pay the publisher’s legal costs on an indemnity basis, with an interim payment of £9,544,355.
That payment order was made against the claimants. It should not be described as Sherborne’s personal debt.
Current Status
As of September 2026, Sherborne remains listed at 5RB. The Bar Standards Board also lists him as practising, with a certificate valid through April 2027.
His work still centres on media disputes. The cases above show why his name appears so often in coverage of privacy and the British press: David Sherborne has acted in several of its most closely watched court battles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is David Sherborne?
David Sherborne is a London barrister known for privacy, defamation and media cases.
Which chambers does he work at?
David Sherborne is listed at 5RB in London.
Is he Prince Harry’s lawyer?
David Sherborne has represented Prince Harry in several newspaper cases, including the Mirror Group Newspapers case and the 2026 Associated Newspapers case.
Did he represent Princess Diana?
Yes. 5RB lists Princess Diana among his publicly documented clients.
Did Coleen Rooney win her libel case?
Yes. The High Court dismissed Rebekah Vardy’s claim against Rooney in 2022. Sherborne represented Rooney.
Did Prince Harry win the 2026 Associated Newspapers case?
No. The High Court dismissed the claims brought by Harry and six other claimants in July 2026.
Where did Sherborne study?
David Sherborne studied Classics at New College, Oxford, then completed legal training in London.
Final Thought
Sherborne’s career is closely tied to disputes over privacy and the press. The court record tells the story best: notable wins, a 2025 settlement, and a serious defeat for his clients in 2026. He remains a practising barrister at 5RB.
