Prince Harry has secured a significant legal victory against Rupert Murdoch's News Group Newspapers , the publisher of The Sun. The settlement, announced in January 2025, marks the first time NGN has admitted to unlawful actions at The Sun, including phone hacking and other privacy violations. The publisher issued a public apology for the serious intrusion into Harry's private life and agreed to a substantial damages payment, reportedly over £10 million, primarily covering legal fees.
The lawsuit, initiated by Prince Harry, accused NGN of illegally obtaining private information about him from 1996 to 2011 and intruding into the private life of his late mother, Princess Diana. This case is part of a series of legal actions Harry has pursued against British media outlets for unlawful information gathering activities. The settlement is seen as a victory for Harry, who plans to pressure politicians and police to revisit the scandal.
NGN has faced significant financial repercussions from prior lawsuits involving phone hacking and other illegal information gathering activities. The company has settled most phone-hacking claims over a decade, with total payouts exceeding £1 billion. The publisher aims to finalize all disputes without trial, continuing its longstanding commitment to settle justified claims.
The settlement also has broader implications for the British media landscape. It highlights the ongoing challenges media organizations face regarding privacy and ethical journalism practices. The case has prompted discussions about the need for stricter regulations and oversight to prevent similar violations in the future.
Prince Harry's legal victory is a landmark moment in the ongoing battle between celebrities and the press over privacy rights. It underscores the importance of holding media organizations accountable for their actions and serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between freedom of the press and individual privacy.
