Ex-royal editor admits hacking phones of Kate, William and Harry

Former News of the World royal editor Clive Goodman

The then Ms Middleton’s phone was hacked 155 times, Prince William’s 35 times and Prince Harry’s nine times, the Old Bailey heard.

Ms Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge, was even hacked on Christmas Day 2005, jurors heard.

The details emerged as Goodman was being cross-examined by ex-NotW editor Andy Coulson’s lawyer, Timothy Langdale QC.

Mr Langdale said the defendant could not have forgotten hacking Ms Middleton 155 times.

Goodman, who had returned to the phone-hacking trial  witness box after weeks of ill health, replied: “Yes, I’m sure I did,” adding: “There has been no intention to deceive you or anybody else in relation to phone hacking.”

Asked why Ms Middleton had been targeted, he said: “She was a figure of increasing importance around the Royal Family.”

Goodman denies two counts of conspiring with Coulson and others to commit misconduct in public office.

Coulson is also on trial for conspiring to hack phones with former NotW editor Rebekah Brooks, managing editor Stuart Kuttner and others. All the defendants deny the charges.

The trial continues.