In a landmark resolution, Prince Harry has secured "substantial damages" from News Group Newspapers (NGN) following allegations of unlawful intrusions into his private life. This settlement concludes a long-standing legal battle in which Prince Harry accused the publisher of the Sun newspaper of using illegal means to gather information for over 200 articles between 1996 and 2011. The case marks a significant moment not only for Prince Harry but also for the broader issue of privacy invasion by media organizations.
NGN has issued a formal apology to Prince Harry, acknowledging the distress caused by their "extensive coverage" and "serious intrusion" into his life, as well as that of his late mother, Princess Diana. Prince Harry's barrister, David Sherborne, hailed the settlement as a "monumental victory," stating that NGN had been "finally held to account for its illegal actions and its blatant disregard for the law."
The apology from NGN also extended to incidents involving private investigators working for the Sun newspaper from 1996 to 2011. While NGN admitted to "incidents of unlawful activity," it emphasized that these activities were carried out by private investigators and not by journalists themselves. This admission comes after NGN acknowledged their regrettable response to the 2006 arrests of News of the World staff who were involved in phone hacking.
"There was always going to come a day like this, and [Prince] Harry's pursued it. [NGN] are on the back foot and there is probably nothing else they could do." – Kelvin MacKenzie
The settlements to Prince Harry and former Labour deputy leader Lord Tom Watson have cost NGN more than £10 million in payouts and legal fees. Lord Watson's case involved allegations that his phone was targeted while he was investigating newspapers owned by Rupert Murdoch during the height of the phone-hacking scandal nearly 15 years ago. NGN also apologized to Lord Watson for the intrusion into his private life, including being placed under surveillance by journalists and those instructed by them.
"Lord Watson's phone was not hacked in 2009-11 and had this gone to trial, NGN would have called evidence from telecoms experts to demonstrate that hacking after 2007 was nigh on impossible due to security upgrades undertaken by telecoms companies." – NGN
The revelation of NGN's activities comes at a poignant time for Prince Harry, who was just 12 years old when his mother, Princess Diana, died in a car crash in Paris while being pursued by paparazzi. The emotional weight of this settlement is underscored by Earl Spencer's comment:
"it's just wonderful that Harry fought for, and gained, an apology to his mother" – Earl Spencer
The resolution of this case follows NGN's surprise at Prince Harry's recent serious approach towards settlement, according to sources. The Metropolitan Police have noted the outcome of this case, confirming that no active police investigations are currently underway regarding allegations of phone hacking or related matters.
"provides all the insight you need" – Prince Harry's source
NGN has already spent over £1 billion in damages and costs related to claims of phone hacking and privacy invasions by the News of the World and the Sun. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy remarked on the significance of the apology:
"a significant day and a big relief" – Lisa Nandy
This development not only highlights the ongoing repercussions for media organizations involved in privacy invasions but also reflects on the broader media accountability landscape.