The Duke of Sussex has settled his long-standing legal battle against News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of The Sun, over allegations of unlawful information-gathering. The settlement, announced just before a weeks-long trial was set to begin, marks a significant moment in the ongoing saga of press intrusion and accountability.
The case, which has been years in the making, centered on claims that journalists and private investigators working for The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World engaged in phone hacking, surveillance, and the misuse of private information. Prince Harry, alongside former Labour deputy leader Lord Watson, has been vocal about the impact of these actions on their lives.
In a statement read out in court by Prince Harry’s barrister, David Sherborne, NGN offered a “full and unequivocal apology” to the Duke of Sussex. The publisher acknowledged “serious intrusion” into his private life, including unlawful activities carried out by private investigators between 1996 and 2011. The statement also referenced the impact on Prince Harry’s late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, whose private life was similarly targeted during his younger years.
Sherborne described the settlement as a “monumental victory,” emphasizing that “today the lies are laid bare.” He revealed that NGN will pay “substantial damages” to Prince Harry, though the exact amount remains undisclosed.
Lord Watson, who also settled his claim against NGN, praised Prince Harry’s role in holding the media accountable. Speaking to reporters outside the court, he said, “I once said that the big beasts of the tabloid jungle have no predators. I was wrong. They have Prince Harry.”
The case against NGN is part of a broader pattern of press misconduct that has plagued British media for decades. Sherborne alleged that NGN unlawfully engaged more than 100 private investigators over 16 years, conducting around 35,000 instances of intrusive activity. He also claimed that after the arrest of a royal correspondent in 2006, senior executives at NGN orchestrated an “extensive conspiracy to cover up” their actions, including the deletion of more than 30 million emails to “deliberately obstruct justice.”
These allegations, while strongly denied by NGN, highlight the systemic nature of the issue. The publisher maintained in its statement that “there was no voicemail interception on The Sun” and that “strong controls and processes” are now in place to prevent such misconduct.
The bigger picture
Prince Harry and Lord Watson are now calling for a broader investigation into the unlawful activities admitted by NGN, including allegations of perjury and cover-ups. However, the Metropolitan Police have stated that while they are aware of the civil proceedings, there are “no active police investigations into allegations of phone hacking or related matters.”
This raises questions about the effectiveness of existing regulatory frameworks and the need for stronger oversight. The Leveson Inquiry, which investigated phone hacking and media ethics in 2011, led to some reforms, but critics argue that more needs to be done to ensure accountability.
Beyond the legal and financial implications, the case underscores the profound personal toll of press intrusion. Lord Watson spoke candidly about the “unforgivable strain” placed on his family, including his former wife and children, as a result of the media’s actions. “I am sorry that Rebekah Brooks decided you were just collateral damage in their corporate war on the elected representatives who sought their accountability,” he said.
Prince Harry, who has been a vocal advocate for press reform, has often spoken about the trauma of losing his mother and the role of media intrusion in exacerbating his grief. His willingness to take on powerful media institutions has been hailed as courageous, with Lord Watson describing his “astonishing courage” as a catalyst for change.
Prince Harry’s settlement is not an isolated case. Over the past year, 39 individuals, including actor Hugh Grant, have settled claims against NGN. Grant, who settled his case in April, cited the risk of a £10 million legal bill as a key factor in his decision. Sherborne noted that Prince Harry faced similar pressures, with settlement offers designed to make it “impossible for them to go ahead” with a trial.
This trend raises concerns about the accessibility of justice for individuals seeking to hold powerful media organizations accountable. While settlements provide closure for some, they also allow publishers to avoid a public reckoning in court.
What’s next?
The settlement with Prince Harry and Lord Watson “draws a line under the past,” according to NGN. But for many, the fight for accountability is far from over. Prince Harry’s legal battles continue, with ongoing cases against other media outlets, including the publisher of the Daily Mail.
As the dust settles on this latest chapter, one thing is clear: the Duke of Sussex has emerged as a formidable challenger to the tabloid press. His efforts have not only brought attention to the issue of media intrusion but have also inspired others to speak out.
In the words of Lord Watson, “They have Prince Harry.” And for now, that seems to be enough to keep the “big beasts of the tabloid jungle” on their toes.