Duke of Sussex achieves monumental victory against UK publisher over privacy breaches
Prince Harry has achieved a significant victory against News Group Newspapers (NGN), publisher of The Sun, securing an apology for the invasion of his privacy and the private life of his late mother, Princess Diana.
The settlement, which averted a high-stakes eight-week trial, included key admissions from NGN, marking a milestone in Harry’s ongoing campaign to hold the media accountable for unethical practices.
Alongside former Labour Deputy Leader Lord Tom Watson, Harry pushed the case further than any previous claimant, demonstrating his determination to expose unlawful methods used by the publisher. Their persistence ultimately led to what Harry described as a “monumental victory.”
This result came with significant financial risk. Under UK law, claimants who reject a settlement offer and later receive less in damages at trial are liable for both their own and the opposing party’s legal costs, potentially amounting to millions. By settling, Harry avoided this gamble while achieving accountability.
As part of the agreement, NGN admitted to using unlawful methods, including private investigators, to obtain information for The Sun between 1996 and 2011. A spokesperson for Harry highlighted the importance of these admissions, stating, “The apology provides all the insight you need.”
Among his claims, Harry also secured an apology for the invasion of Princess Diana’s privacy, a matter he has long argued was one of the earliest instances of unethical tabloid practices targeting his family.
Harry has been vocal about his frustration with “aggressive and vengeful coverage” of his immediate family, particularly since he and Meghan Markle stepped down as working royals in 2020. This settlement validates his efforts to challenge these practices and advocate for change in media accountability.
The victory underscores Harry’s commitment to protecting his family’s legacy and holding the press accountable for its transgressions, cementing a significant chapter in his fight for justice.
