The Mail on Sunday appeals process in the dispute over the publication of a letter from Meghan Markle to her estranged father has taken a new turn due to statements by the former press secretary of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Markle had sued the newspaper for breach of privacy and copyright law.

In February the judge ruled in their favor.

He declined the Mail on Sunday's request that the matter be dealt with in full process rather than quick trial.

In the current appeal hearing, the publisher is sticking to its call for a full trial.

Gina Thomas

Features correspondent based in London.

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So far, Meghan Markle had denied having cooperated with the authors of a flattering biography as well as knowing the extent to which the palace's communications team had been involved in the release of information. Omid Scobie, co-author of Finding Freedom, agreed when he assured the court that “any suggestion that the Duke and Duchess contributed to the book is inaccurate.” The book was always written on the assumption that it was independent and will not be authorized.

The correspondence that Jason Markles press secretary Knauf has now made available to the London Court of Appeals, sheds a different light on the proceedings. It appears that the couple not only authorized him to speak to the writers. Meghan Markle even provided Knauf with detailed written background information for the almost two-hour conversation. In addition, Knauf has revealed further background information about the letter to Meghan Markle's father. This includes the statement by the Duchess in a communication to Knauf that she was "meticulous" in her choice of words in the assumption that the letter could become public. In a further communication, she stated that she had decided to use the address "Daddy" because in the "unfortunate event" of the publication this would "go to the heart."

Duchess apologized for her forgetfulness

Mail on Sunday lawyers argue this undermines the basis of Meghan Markle's lawsuit.

Their lawyers reply that although they knew the letter could be made public, they did not want this to happen.

Meghan Markle admits, however, that she authorized her press secretary to provide the authors of the book "Finding Freedom" with "some information".

When she gave her original statement, she had not had any electronic correspondence with Knauf.

The Duchess apologized to the court for her forgetfulness and stated that she had "absolutely no" intention of misleading the defense or the court.

Electronic correspondence with Knauf shows that both Meghan and Prince Harry were "routinely" privy to internal discussions about the book and that the couple instructed the press secretary to tell the authors certain things.

Knauf advised against introducing the authors to the couple's friends.

It is important to be able to say "hand on heart that we have not given access." The prince agreed, but objected that it would help to bring "some truths" to the public if Knauf explained the background and put things into context.

"The truth is much needed and would be welcome".