Daniel Hanks said his alleged work took place during the early days of her relationship with Prince Harry and claims he unlawfully accessed detailed information including Meghan’s social security number.
In response to the claim the Sun’s publisher said it requested Hanks perform legitimate research and instructed him to operate lawfully.
BBC News is reporting that it has seen the so-called, “comprehensive report on Meghan and her family,” which the investigator Hanks passed on to the Sun.
According to the BBC the report included her social security number, phone number, addresses and information on her family members. The report also contained information on the former actress’s ex-husband and a former boyfriend.
Hanks said of his handiwork, “Pretty much everything I found out they could find out themselves using legal means – with the exception of the social security numbers.”
In the US, licensed private investigators such as Hanks are allowed full access to databases of personal information for certain allowed reasons such as court reports. But according to the BBC, accessing certain types of type of data for journalistic purposes is unlawful. For example, social security numbers could potentially be used to extend intrusive investigations.
As Hanks said, “When you have that information… it’s the key to the kingdom.”
A spokesman for Harry and Meghan said: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex feel that today is an important moment of reflection for the media industry and society at large, as this investigative report shows that the predatory practices of days past are still ongoing, reaping irreversible damage for families and relationships.”
The Markle’s spin doctor added, “They are grateful to those working in media who stand for upholding the values of journalism, which are needed now more than ever before.”
Hanks’ admissions come on the same day that news emerged that Prince Harry has launched another lawsuit. Buckingham Palace has confirmed that he is suing the publisher of the Sun, and the former publisher of the Daily Mirror, over allegations of phone hacking before 2011.
During the couple’s recent interview with Oprah Winfrey they blamed the UK media for creating a “toxic environment” of “control and fear” that led them to flee the country.
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