Prince Harry has secured a significant legal victory against Rupert Murdoch's UK newspaper group, News Group Newspapers , which publishes The Sun. The publisher has admitted to unlawful actions and agreed to a substantial damages payment, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle over privacy and media ethics.
The lawsuit, initiated by Prince Harry, accused NGN of illegally obtaining private information about him from 1996 to 2011. This included allegations of phone hacking and other unlawful activities that intruded into his personal life and that of his late mother, Princess Diana. The settlement, reported to be over £10 million, primarily covers legal fees and serves as a formal apology from NGN for the serious intrusion into Harry's private life.
This case is particularly significant as NGN has admitted to unlawful activity at The Sun for the first time, avoiding a potentially damaging trial. The publisher has faced numerous lawsuits over the years, resulting in substantial financial repercussions. The settlement with Prince Harry is seen as a victory for the Duke, who plans to pressure politicians and police to revisit the scandal.
The phone-hacking scandal, which emerged in 2006, led to arrests and the closure of News of the World in 2011. NGN has settled claims from over 1,300 people, with total payouts exceeding £1 billion. The company aims to finalize all disputes without trial, continuing its longstanding commitment to settle justified claims.
Prince Harry's legal actions against the British media have been part of a broader effort to hold media organizations accountable for unethical practices. This settlement may mark the end of similar lawsuits against NGN, but it underscores the ongoing tension between public figures and the press over privacy and ethical journalism.
