Prince Harry has secured a significant legal victory against Rupert Murdoch's News Group Newspapers , the publisher of The Sun. The publisher has admitted to unlawful actions, including phone hacking, and agreed to a substantial damages payment. This settlement marks the first time NGN has acknowledged such activities at The Sun.
The lawsuit, initiated by Prince Harry, accused NGN of illegally obtaining private information about him from 1996 to 2011. The publisher has agreed to a settlement exceeding £10 million, primarily covering legal fees. NGN has also issued an apology for the serious intrusion into Harry's private life.
This legal action is part of a broader effort by Prince Harry to hold media organizations accountable for unlawful practices. He has previously pursued successful litigation against Mirror Group Newspapers and has a pending action against the publisher of the Daily Mail. The settlement with NGN is seen as a significant step in his campaign for justice.
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 individuals, with total payouts exceeding £1 billion. The company aims to finalize all disputes without trial, continuing its longstanding commitment to settle justified claims.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges celebrities face in protecting their privacy against intrusive media practices. The outcome may encourage other public figures to pursue legal action against media organizations that engage in unlawful activities. It also underscores the importance of holding media companies accountable for their actions.
