Understand Your Rights. Solve Your Legal Problems
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has settled his long-running legal case against Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers (NGN), publishers of The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World. The case, which accused the tabloid publisher of unlawful information gathering, was set to go to trial but reached an unexpected resolution, with the Duke describing it as “a monumental victory.”
Prince Harry (@sussexroyal Instagram)
Prince Harry’s legal action centred around allegations that between 1996 and 2011, journalists and private investigators working for The Sun had unlawfully targeted him and his family, including engaging in phone tapping, hacking, and other forms of invasion of privacy. His barrister, David Sherborne, delivered a crucial statement in London’s High Court on Wednesday, revealing the outcome.
"News Group Newspapers offers a full and unequivocal apology to the Duke of Sussex for the serious intrusion by The Sun between 1996 and 2011 into his private life," Sherborne said. "This apology covers incidents of unlawful activities carried out by private investigators working for The Sun."
The legal proceedings, which have already captivated the media ahead of the nine-week Daily Mail trial set to begin on January 19, highlight a growing public awareness and support for individuals who say their privacy has been compromised by the press. Prince Harry’s legal action represents another step in his ongoing crusade to hold the British tabloid industry accountable for its past practices.
As the case moves toward trial, the Duke’s legal team has pointed to the broader implications, calling for a more transparent and ethical approach to journalism—particularly in an era of heightened privacy concerns and increasing scrutiny of press misconduct.
David Sherborne, reading a statement on behalf of the duke and the co-claimant, said “After endless resistance, denials and legal battles by News Group Newspapers, including spending more than a billion pounds in payouts and in legal costs, as well as paying off those in the know in order to prevent the full picture from coming out, News UK is finally held to account for its illegal actions and its blatant disregard for the law.”
For Prince Harry, the settlement is seen as a crucial moment in his campaign against the invasive nature of the media, particularly those linked to Murdoch’s empire. He has long maintained that the actions of certain media outlets not only violated his privacy but also contributed to the toxic environment surrounding his family in the public eye.
The legal action is one of several lawsuits Prince Harry has pursued against British tabloid media outlets, as he continues to speak out about press intrusion and the violation of privacy. He has long spoken about the trauma caused by the media's treatment of his mother, Princess Diana, and the lasting impact this had on him. Harry and other claimants in this case are seeking an apology and compensation for the distress caused by these unlawful actions.
