Prince Harry settles lawsuit against Murdoch's UK tabloids
London: Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has settled his lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers (NGN) over allegations of phone hacking and other unlawful intrusions. The settlement, which includes substantial damages and an apology, marks a significant chapter in Harry’s ongoing battle with the British press. Former Labour Party politician Tom Watson, now Lord Watson, also received an apology from NGN.
Acknowledgment of wrongdoing at The Sun
In a groundbreaking admission, NGN acknowledged misconduct at The Sun, a publication previously known for its controversial Page 3 feature. This marks the first time the company has admitted wrongdoing at the newspaper. NGN’s statement highlighted the use of “phone hacking, surveillance and misuse of private information by journalists and private investigators” targeting Prince Harry and others.
The company also extended its acknowledgment to include the intrusion into the life of Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana.
The apology
“NGN offers a full and unequivocal apology to the Duke of Sussex for the serious intrusion by The Sun between 1996 and 2011 into his private life, including incidents of unlawful activities carried out by private investigators working for The Sun.
“NGN also offers a full and unequivocal apology to the Duke of Sussex for the phone hacking, surveillance and misuse of private information by journalists and private investigators instructed by them at the News of the World.
“NGN further apologizes to the Duke for the impact on him of the extensive coverage and serious intrusion into his private life as well as the private life of Diana, Princess of Wales, his late mother, in particular during his younger years. We acknowledge and apologize for the distress caused to the Duke, and the damage inflicted on relationships, friendships and family, and have agreed to pay him substantial damages. It is also acknowledged, without any admission of illegality, that NGN’s response to the 2006 arrests and subsequent actions were regrettable.”
Tom Watson, who was targeted during his tenure in government, also received an apology:
“NGN also offers a full and unequivocal apology to Lord Watson for the unwarranted intrusion carried out into his private life during his time in Government by the News of the World during the period 2009-2011. This includes him being placed under surveillance in 2009 by journalists at the News of the World and those instructed by them. NGN also acknowledges and apologizes for the adverse impact this had on Lord Watson’s family and has agreed to pay him substantial damages.
“In addition, in 2011 News International received information that information was being passed covertly to Lord Watson from within News International. We now understand that this information was false, and Lord Watson was not in receipt of any such confidential information. NGN apologises fully and unequivocally for this.”
Legal battle timeline
Prince Harry’s lawsuit against NGN was one of three privacy cases he has pursued against British tabloids. His case was among the last two remaining out of over 1,300 claims related to phone hacking and unlawful surveillance. The legal actions stem from allegations of misconduct between 1994 and 2016, involving tactics such as intercepting voicemails, tapping phones, bugging cars, and using deception to obtain confidential information.
Historic implications
The case brought Harry closer to trial than any previous lawsuit against NGN. It also highlighted a broader scandal that led to the closure of the News of the World in 2011. The tabloid was shut down after reports emerged that its journalists had hacked the phone of Milly Dowler, a 13-year-old murder victim, while police were still searching for her in 2002.
Feud with the press
Prince Harry’s animosity towards the media has deep roots. He blames the press for the death of his mother, Princess Diana, who died in 1997 in a car crash while being pursued by paparazzi in Paris. He has also pointed to persistent media harassment as a key factor in his decision to step back from royal life and move to the United States with his wife, Meghan Markle, in 2020.
Family tensions
The legal battles have caused friction within the royal family. Harry revealed in court documents that his father, King Charles III, opposed his lawsuit. He also disclosed that his older brother, Prince William, had privately settled a separate complaint against NGN for a reported sum exceeding £1 million.
In the documentary “Tabloids On Trial,” Harry explained his motivations: “I’m doing this for my reasons,” he said, expressing regret that his family did not join him in the fight.
Previous victories and ongoing cases
Harry’s legal efforts have not been in vain. In a separate lawsuit against the publisher of the Daily Mirror, the court ruled in his favor, finding that phone hacking was “widespread and habitual” at the publication. He became the first senior royal to testify in court since the late 19th century during that trial.
The resolution of his case against NGN raises questions about the outcome of his third lawsuit against the publisher of the Daily Mail, scheduled for trial next year.
AFP