Duke of Sussex prioritises accountability in battle against media misconduct
Prince Harry has made a powerful statement as his legal fight against News Group Newspapers (NGN) takes centre stage at the High Court in London.
The Duke of Sussex, alongside former lawmaker Tom Watson, has brought a lawsuit against NGN over alleged unlawful activities carried out by its journalists and private investigators.
Harry has dismissed claims that his case is financially motivated, emphasising that his pursuit is about uncovering the truth. This comes as other claimants have chosen to settle with NGN to avoid the risk of incurring hefty legal bills, despite rejecting the group’s offers.
In a prior statement, Harry said: "One of the main reasons for seeing this through is accountability, because I'm the last person that can actually achieve that." The Duke is expected to testify as a witness in February, marking a significant step in the case.
Reports reveal that NGN has paid hundreds of millions of pounds in settlements to victims of phone-hacking and other unlawful practices tied to its now-defunct News of the World. Over 1,300 lawsuits involving public figures and private individuals have been resolved to date.
Court documents filed by Harry’s legal team allege that his elder brother, Prince William, settled a case with NGN in 2020 for "a very large sum of money," adding another layer of intrigue to the high-profile trial.
Harry’s determination to hold the media accountable highlights his commitment to challenging unethical practices and seeking justice for those affected by media misconduct.