Prince Harry Wins Landmark Apology from Murdoch’s Tabloids/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Prince Harry secured a historic apology from Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers for privacy violations, including phone hacking and surveillance by The Sun. The publisher admitted intruding into Harry’s life and that of his late mother, Princess Diana. This unprecedented settlement highlights Harry’s fight for accountability against tabloid misconduct.
Prince Harry’s Tabloid Apology Victory: Quick Looks
- Historic Apology: The Sun admits to hacking Harry’s phone and invading Diana’s privacy.
- Substantial Damages: News Group agrees to a significant financial settlement with Harry.
- Decades-Long Misconduct: Intrusions included phone hacking, surveillance, and private data misuse.
- Broader Implications: Raises questions about the upcoming lawsuit against the Daily Mail.
- Family Tensions: Harry revealed opposition from King Charles III and past settlements by Prince William.
Prince Harry Wins Landmark Apology from Murdoch’s Tabloids
Deep Look
Prince Harry achieved a landmark victory as Rupert Murdoch’s UK tabloids issued an unprecedented apology for privacy intrusions. News Group Newspapers (NGN), publisher of The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World, acknowledged unlawful practices targeting Harry and his late mother, Princess Diana, spanning decades.
The Apology and Settlement
In a statement read in court by Harry’s attorney, NGN offered a “full and unequivocal apology” for its actions, admitting to phone hacking, surveillance, and the misuse of private information. The publisher also acknowledged causing distress to Harry’s personal relationships and family.
“We acknowledge and apologize for the distress caused to the duke and the damage inflicted on relationships, friendships, and family,” the settlement statement read.
NGN agreed to pay substantial damages to Harry, marking the first time The Sun publicly admitted wrongdoing in privacy cases. Previously, NGN had only apologized for activities tied to News of the World, shuttered in 2011 after a phone hacking scandal.
Harry’s Fight for Accountability
Prince Harry’s case was one of three lawsuits he filed against British tabloids. Unlike many of the 1,300 claimants who previously settled with NGN, Harry insisted on pursuing his case to trial to expose the full extent of the tabloid’s wrongdoing.
“This represents vindication for the hundreds of other claimants who were strong-armed into settling without being able to get to the truth,” Harry stated.
Scope of Intrusion
NGN admitted to employing private investigators and engaging in illegal activities, including phone hacking, from 1996 to 2011. These actions targeted Harry and even extended to Princess Diana, further fueling Harry’s long-standing resentment toward the media.
Sherborne, Harry’s lawyer, accused NGN of engaging in a years-long conspiracy to cover up its actions, alleging the deletion of 30 million emails and obstruction of justice by senior executives.
“There was an extensive conspiracy,” Sherborne said, adding that NGN’s actions involved “senior executives deliberately obstructing justice.”
Personal and Family Impact
Harry’s battle with the press has roots in his youth, when tabloids fixated on his private life. He blames media harassment for his mother’s death in a 1997 car crash and has cited ongoing attacks on his wife, Meghan Markle, as a reason for stepping back from royal duties.
The case also revealed internal family tensions. Harry disclosed in court filings that King Charles III opposed his lawsuit and that Prince William privately settled a similar claim against NGN for over £1 million. Despite these revelations, Harry expressed regret that his family did not join him in his legal efforts.
Historical Context
Harry’s case stands out as the closest any claim against The Sun has come to trial. Previous lawsuits against News of the World forced its closure after it was revealed that journalists had hacked the voicemail of Milly Dowler, a murdered schoolgirl.
Future Legal Battles
With this settlement secured, attention now turns to Harry’s third lawsuit against the publisher of the Daily Mail. That trial is scheduled for next year and could further challenge tabloid practices in the UK.
Harry’s legal victories underscore his mission to reform the media landscape, achieving accountability for invasive practices that have plagued his life and the lives of countless others.
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