Prince Harry to Testify in February in Lawsuit Against *The Sun*

Prince Harry will not be present for the initial day of his trial against Rupert Murdoch’s tabloid, The Sun, on January 21st. Contrary to reports suggesting he would receive “limited police protection,” he is scheduled to testify in February.

The Duke of Sussex’s lawsuit against News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of The Sun, alleges unlawful information gathering by journalists and private investigators. The accusations span from 1996 to 2011, a period when The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World allegedly targeted him. The case focuses on phone hacking and other privacy violations. NGN denies any wrongdoing. Former Labour MP Tom Watson is also involved in the legal proceedings.

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This clarifies recent reports claiming Harry would receive limited police protection during his stay and that he declined accommodation at Buckingham Palace. A source reportedly told The Mirror that Harry refused the Palace offer.

Harry is embroiled in a separate legal battle concerning his security detail. He is challenging a February 2022 ruling that removed his automatic right to security, a decision made after he and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020. This ongoing dispute has contributed to tension between Harry and King Charles. The appeal is scheduled for spring 2025.

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Initially, around 40 plaintiffs sued Murdoch’s publications. Now, only Harry and one other individual continue the fight, with others settling. High-profile figures, including actors Hugh Grant and Sienna Miller, were among those who settled. Grant explained in April 2024 that potential legal fees exceeding $10 million, even in victory, influenced his decision.

Grant detailed on X (formerly Twitter) that News Group denied allegations of phone hacking, unlawful information gathering, tapping landlines, burglary, bugging his car, illegally obtaining medical records, lying, perjury, and destroying evidence. He also revealed a substantial settlement offer from News Group to avoid trial. Despite wanting his allegations tested in court, Grant acknowledged the financial risks of proceeding.

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NGN stated that the settlement with Grant admitted no liability and was financially beneficial for both parties, avoiding a costly trial. In December 2024, Prince Harry mentioned Grant’s settlement during a conversation with The New York Times columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin, highlighting his personal motivation for continuing his lawsuit: accountability for undermining public trust in journalism.