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. The publisher's admission of unlawful activity at The Sun is the first of its kind, acknowledging the intrusion into the private life of the Duke of Sussex.
The settlement, reportedly over £10 million, primarily covers legal fees and includes an apology from NGN for the serious intrusion into Harry's private life. This development is seen as a victory for Prince Harry, who plans to pressure politicians and police to revisit the scandal.
This case is part of a broader series of lawsuits pursued by Prince Harry against British media outlets. He has previously achieved successful litigation against Mirror Group Newspapers and has a pending action against the publisher of the Daily Mail. These legal actions underscore the ongoing tensions between the royal family and the press over privacy and ethical journalism.
The settlement with NGN is significant, as it not only acknowledges the unlawful activities but also sets a precedent for future cases involving media intrusion. It highlights the need for stricter regulations and ethical standards within the media industry to protect individuals' privacy rights.