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 activities at The Sun, including phone hacking and other privacy breaches. 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 settlement is seen as a significant victory for Harry, who has been actively seeking accountability for unlawful media practices. The case also highlights the broader issue of privacy violations by the press, with NGN having settled claims from over 1,300 individuals in the past.
The phone-hacking scandal, which emerged in 2006, led to arrests and the closure of News of the World in 2011. However, The Sun continued to face allegations of similar practices. The recent settlement with Prince Harry is part of NGN's ongoing efforts to resolve outstanding claims without proceeding to trial. The publisher has faced significant financial repercussions from prior lawsuits involving phone hacking and other illegal information-gathering activities.
Prince Harry's legal team has expressed intentions to pressure politicians and law enforcement to revisit the broader issue of media misconduct. The settlement with NGN is viewed as a step towards greater accountability within the media industry. While NGN has admitted to unlawful activities at The Sun, it maintains that there was no senior-level cover-up. The publisher has not commented on the specifics of the settlement or the apology issued to Prince Harry.
This case underscores the ongoing challenges celebrities and public figures face concerning privacy and media intrusion. The outcome may influence future legal actions and discussions surrounding press ethics and the protection of individual privacy rights.
