Prince Harry has broken cover in the US as his legal team remain in crunch talks with News Group Newspapers regarding a settlement offer.
The Duke of Sussex stepped out in Los Angeles alongside members of the Salinas Fire Department and their facility dogs on Tuesday.
Harry can be seen smiling in a group photograph posted on the Salinas Fire Department’s Instagram account.
The post was captioned: “Cruz and Taffy, Facility Dog’s with the Salinas Fire Dept, along with their friends, have been actively assisting in the efforts to combat the LA fires, providing much-needed support to firefighters and affected communities.
Prince Harry has broken cover in the US as his legal team remain in crunch talks with News Group Newspapers regarding a settlement offer.
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“In an inspiring turn of events, they also had the opportunity to meet Prince Harry, who is known for his philanthropic work and advocacy on various social issues, including disaster relief.
“This encounter not only boosted their morale but also emphasised the importance of community and collaboration in the face of such devastating challenges.”
The appearance in the US came just hours after it emerged that Prince Harry and News Group Newspapers had launched a joint bid to appeal against Mr Justice Fancourt’s decision denying a third trial adjournment.
The unusual alliance came as both parties claimed they were close to reaching an agreement through recent negotiations.
The move followed Justice Fancourt’s refusal to delay the trial further on Tuesday afternoon.
Anthony Hudson KC, representing NGN, highlighted the rare unity between the parties, stating: “Both parties are in complete agreement. The number of times the parties have been in agreement in this litigation are very few and far between.”
The NGN lawyer also revealed that legal teams had been engaged in “very intense negotiations over the last few days” and were “very close” to reaching a resolution.
While Mr Justice Fancourt denied the parties permission to challenge his decision, he left the door open for them to take the decision to the Court of Appeal.
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Prince Harry and NGN retain the option to make their appeal directly to the Court of Appeal.
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“I’m not going to stand in the way of access to justice if the parties wish to go to the Court of Appeal,” Justice Fancourt said.
Both Prince Harry and NGN retain the option to make their appeal directly to the Court of Appeal.
In explaining his refusal for a third adjournment, Justice Fancourt stated: “There comes a point where the parties have had ample time to seek to resolve their differences and have not done so.”
He added: “I made it clear this morning when granting the second adjournment that it would be the final adjournment. I see no reason to change my mind.”