Prince Harry Wins Privacy Lawsuit Against UK Publisher

Prince Harry has secured a significant legal victory in his invasion of privacy lawsuit against News Group Newspapers (NGN), the United Kingdom-based publisher of The Sun. The company issued a “full and unequivocal” apology for its actions, which included phone hacking, surveillance, and misuse of private information. Alongside the apology, NGN agreed to pay the Duke of Sussex “substantial damages,” reported to exceed $12 million.

The settlement comes after years of legal battles and one day before the case was set to be heard in London’s High Court. News Group Newspapers, which also owned the now-defunct News of the World, admitted to a series of unlawful activities targeting Prince Harry between 1996 and 2011. These included employing private investigators who invaded his privacy and that of his late mother, Princess Diana.

In its statement, NGN offered a sweeping acknowledgment of its wrongdoing:

• Admitting to “serious intrusion” into Harry’s private life.

• Apologizing for the use of private investigators and illegal activities at The Sun and News of the World.

• Acknowledging the distress caused to Harry and the impact on his relationships, friendships, and family.

“We acknowledge and apologize for the distress caused to the Duke, and the damage inflicted on relationships, friendships, and family, and have agreed to pay him substantial damages,” the statement read.

NGN also referenced their role in invading Princess Diana’s privacy, further intensifying the gravity of their actions.

Prince Harry’s attorney, David Sherborne, emphasized the broader significance of this settlement, highlighting the years NGN spent denying the allegations. He noted that the outcome was a form of vindication for “hundreds of other claimants who were strong-armed into settling without being able to get to the truth.”

This landmark case underscores the persistent issue of unethical media practices and their impact on individuals' lives, particularly high-profile figures like Prince Harry, who have faced relentless scrutiny.

NGN later attempted to downplay some aspects of the case, clarifying that the illegal activities were carried out by private investigators hired by The Sun rather than its journalists. However, this does little to mitigate the damage caused by their invasive tactics.

This settlement is a major step in holding media outlets accountable for crossing ethical and legal boundaries. As Harry secures justice, the case sets a precedent for others who may have been victims of similar media misconduct.

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