Prince Harry has achieved a significant legal victory against Rupert Murdoch's News Group Newspapers , the publisher of The Sun, following a long-running lawsuit over alleged unlawful activities. The settlement, announced in January 2025, includes an apology from NGN for the first time acknowledging unlawful actions related to The Sun. This case is part of a broader series of legal actions taken by Prince Harry against British media organisations, highlighting ongoing concerns about privacy and journalistic ethics.
The lawsuit centred on allegations that journalists and private investigators working for The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World engaged in unlawful activities, including phone hacking, to obtain private information about Prince Harry from 1996 to 2011. NGN has previously settled claims from over 1,300 individuals, including celebrities, politicians, and sports figures, but had consistently denied any unlawful activity at The Sun until this settlement.
The settlement is reported to be over £10 million, primarily covering legal fees, and includes an apology from NGN for the serious intrusion into Prince Harry's private life. This marks the first time NGN has admitted to unlawful actions at The Sun, a significant development in the ongoing phone-hacking scandal that has plagued the British press for years.
Prince Harry's legal team hailed the deal as a monumental victory, with the publisher admitting unlawful activity at The Sun for the first time. The settlement also avoids a potentially damaging trial, which could have exposed further details about the extent of the unlawful activities. The case has drawn attention to the need for greater accountability and transparency within the media industry.
This legal action is part of a series of lawsuits pursued by Prince Harry against British media organisations. He has previously won substantial damages in a case against Mirror Group Newspapers and has a pending action against the publisher of the Daily Mail. These actions underscore the ongoing tensions between the British royal family and the press, particularly concerning issues of privacy and ethical journalism.
The settlement with NGN is seen as a significant step in addressing the broader issue of media intrusion and the need for reforms in journalistic practices. It also highlights the challenges faced by public figures in protecting their privacy in the age of digital media. The case has sparked discussions about the balance between press freedom and individual privacy rights, and the role of the media in holding power to account.
