Prince Harry has won an eight-figure settlement, estimated to exceed $12 million, in his lawsuit against News Group Newspapers (NGN), publisher of The Sun, over illegal information gathering. The settlement includes a “full and unequivocal apology” from NGN for the intrusion into Harry’s private life between 1996 and 2011.
The settlement was reached on January 22nd, before the trial in London officially began. While NGN agreed to pay substantial damages, Harry did not receive an apology from specific senior executives at the company or newspaper.
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Harry’s lawyer, David Sherborne, speaking outside the High Court, called the ruling a “monumental victory” and demanded a police investigation into the newspaper’s practices. He highlighted the significant impact the case has had on Harry and his family. Sherborne stated that the settlement acknowledges NGN’s illegal activities and blatant disregard for the law. He further emphasized that the publisher spent over a billion pounds in payouts and legal costs to prevent the full truth from emerging.
Sherborne revealed that NGN unlawfully employed over 100 private investigators for at least 16 years, carrying out over 35,000 instances of illegal activity. This occurred at both The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World, with the knowledge of editors and executives at the highest levels of the company. He attributed this historic admission of wrongdoing to the resilience of Prince Harry and co-claimant, former Labour MP Tom Watson, in their willingness to go to trial.
Sherborne also shared the toll the legal battle has taken on Harry and his family, stating they endured “aggressive and vengeful coverage” since initiating the claim five years ago, raising serious security concerns. He urged for a full investigation into the unlawful activities, perjury, and cover-ups that occurred throughout the process.
Lord Watson, speaking alongside Sherborne, praised Harry’s bravery and courage in holding a powerful media entity accountable. He expressed gratitude on behalf of countless victims for Harry’s unwavering support and determination. Watson called upon Rupert Murdoch to issue a personal apology to Prince Harry, King Charles, and all those who suffered from the unlawful actions of his media empire.
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The settlement followed a day of intense negotiations that delayed the start of the hearing. Harry and Lord Watson had refused to settle with NGN earlier, unlike hundreds of others, including Hugh Grant and Sienna Miller, who had previously accepted settlements over similar allegations.
NGN’s statement included an apology for the phone hacking, surveillance, and misuse of private information by journalists and private investigators at the News of the World. They also acknowledged the distress caused to the Duke and the damage inflicted on his relationships, friendships, and family. NGN later clarified that their apology to Harry included unlawful activities by private investigators working for The Sun, not by journalists, between 1996 and 2011. Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
