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 a notable development, as it is the first time NGN has acknowledged such actions. The settlement, reported to be over £10 million, primarily covers legal fees.
This case is part of a broader series of legal actions taken by Prince Harry against British media outlets. He has previously pursued successful litigation against Mirror Group Newspapers and has a pending case against the publisher of the Daily Mail. These actions underscore his commitment to holding media organizations accountable for unlawful practices.
The settlement also includes an apology from NGN for the serious intrusion into Prince Harry's private life. The apology pertains to actions of private investigators, not journalists, and acknowledges the distress caused by the unlawful activities.
This legal victory is seen as a significant step in the ongoing efforts to address issues of privacy and media ethics in the UK. It also highlights the challenges faced by public figures in protecting their personal information from unlawful intrusion. The case has garnered widespread attention, prompting discussions about the need for stricter regulations and greater accountability within the media industry.