Prince Harry to Skip First Day of Trial Against The Sun, Will Testify in February

Prince Harry will not be present for the initial day of his lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch’s tabloid, The Sun, dismissing reports that he was expected to receive “limited police protection” during his visit to London. It is understood that Harry will not attend the first day of the News Group Newspapers (NGN) trial on January 21st, but is scheduled to give testimony in February, refuting false reports about purported security arrangements.

The Duke of Sussex’s Legal Battle Against News Group Newspapers

The Duke of Sussex’s lawsuit against NGN, the publisher of The Sun, alleges unlawful information gathering conducted by journalists and private investigators. Harry’s accusations focus on phone hacking and other privacy breaches between 1996 and 2011, a period during which The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World allegedly targeted him. NGN denies any wrongdoing. Harry is expected to testify alongside former Labour MP Tom Watson later in the legal proceedings.

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This news contradicts recent reports suggesting Harry would receive “limited protection” from the Metropolitan Police despite losing his legal battle to reinstate his automatic right to security. Reports also claimed Harry declined an offer to stay at Buckingham Palace during the trial. A source allegedly informed The Mirror that Harry was offered accommodations at the royal residence but refused.

Harry’s Ongoing Fight for Security and Pursuit of Accountability

Harry’s ongoing legal dispute regarding security stems from a February 2022 ruling that removed the automatic right to security for him and his family after they stepped back from their roles as working royals in 2020. This issue has further strained his relationship with his father, King Charles. Harry initially lost his legal challenge in April but is appealing the decision, with the case scheduled for a hearing in the spring of 2025.

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The trial against Murdoch’s publications initially involved around 40 plaintiffs, but Harry is now one of only two remaining, with most others settling their claims. Numerous high-profile individuals and celebrities, including actors Hugh Grant and Sienna Miller, were part of the suit but have largely resolved their cases. Grant explained in April 2024 that he felt compelled to settle to avoid potentially exorbitant legal fees exceeding $10 million, even if he won.

Hugh Grant’s Settlement and Prince Harry’s Determination

In a detailed statement on X (formerly Twitter), Grant outlined NGN’s denial of all allegations, including phone hacking, unlawful information gathering, and destruction of evidence, while simultaneously offering him a substantial settlement to avoid trial. Grant expressed his desire to have the allegations tested in court but acknowledged the financial risks associated with proceeding to trial. NGN stated that settling was in the best financial interest of both parties and admitted no liability.

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Prince Harry affirmed his commitment to the lawsuit during a December conversation with The New York Times columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin, citing accountability as his primary motivation. He expressed his concern that the actions of certain journalists erode public trust in the media and vowed to prevent them from “ruining journalism for everyone.” He stated that he felt a responsibility to hold those responsible accountable.