Prince Harry has called for a renewed police investigation into Rupert Murdoch’s UK media group after securing what he described as a “monumental victory” in his long-running legal battle over unlawful information gathering by News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World.
The settlement, announced just as court proceedings were set to begin, includes a formal apology from NGN and a substantial financial payout. While the exact terms remain undisclosed, reports suggest the settlement reached eight figures.
Apology for Intrusion and Damages
David Sherborne, representing Prince Harry, told London’s High Court that NGN offered a “full and unequivocal apology” for the “serious intrusion” into Harry’s private life between 1996 and 2011. The statement acknowledged illegal activities involving private investigators hired by The Sun and News of the World. NGN also extended an apology for the impact its actions had on Princess Diana, the duke’s late mother.
The publisher admitted its behavior caused “distress” and “damage” to the prince’s relationships and personal life. However, NGN maintains its defense that no journalists at The Sun were involved in phone hacking and denied allegations of evidence destruction during previous investigations.
The Cost of Phone Hacking
Prince Harry’s legal team noted that NGN’s broader phone-hacking scandal has cost Rupert Murdoch’s media empire over £1 billion ($1.24 billion) in settlements and legal expenses. The group previously resolved 1,300 claims out of court.
Speaking outside the courtroom, Sherborne declared the outcome a victory for all victims of media malpractice. He criticized NGN’s years of denials and legal maneuvers, stating, “Today proves no one stands above the law. The time for accountability has arrived.”
Tom Watson Joins the Settlement
Harry’s co-claimant, former Labour Party deputy leader Tom Watson, also accepted a settlement. Watson, who spearheaded investigations into tabloid misconduct, accused NGN of phone hacking between 2009 and 2011. Watson described the practices as “industrial in scale” and called on Murdoch to personally apologize to the royal family and other victims.
The former lawmaker praised Prince Harry for his “bravery and astonishing courage” in holding the press accountable. Watson also confirmed that his legal team would provide additional evidence to police for further investigation.
Fallout and Calls for Reform
Hacked Off, a press accountability group, labeled the settlement a “humiliating climb down” for NGN and demanded a fresh government inquiry. Emma Jones, a board member, stated, “The public and parliament were lied to as part of the most extraordinary corporate cover-up in living memory.”
Jones credited Prince Harry’s determination for exposing the truth and urged authorities to act. “It took a prince to finally get these matters aired,” she remarked, reiterating calls for stricter oversight of media practices.
Prince Harry’s Ongoing Legal Battles
This settlement marks one chapter in Prince Harry’s broader fight for media reform. His case against Mirror Group Newspapers concluded in 2023 with a £140,600 ($179,000) award for extensive phone hacking. Another major lawsuit against Associated Newspapers, involving high-profile figures like Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley, remains pending.
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Prince Harry’s campaign reflects his deep distrust of tabloid culture, which he partially blames for his mother’s untimely death. His efforts aim to promote responsible journalism and enforce privacy protections for public figures and private citizens alike.