Prince Harry and Tom Watson Engage in Settlement Talks with Sun Publisher
Duke of Sussex and Former Labour Deputy Leader Postpone Court Proceedings Amid Negotiations
The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, and former deputy Labour leader Tom Watson are engaged in settlement discussions with News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of the Sun, according to proceedings at the high court in London.
The trial, originally slated to start on a recent Tuesday morning, was delayed as both parties sought additional time to negotiate a potential settlement regarding allegations of unlawful information gathering.
Prince Harry and Lord Watson are taking legal action against NGN, which also published the defunct News of the World, over the claims of unlawful activity.
NGN has denied any wrongdoing at the Sun.
As the trial was anticipated to open at 10:30 am, legal representatives from both sides requested two adjournments, postponing the start until the afternoon.
Following a 2 pm session, Mr. Justice Fancourt, the trial judge, declined a third request for an adjournment until Wednesday, emphasizing that sufficient time had been allocated to reach an agreement, and expressing skepticism about a genuine intent to settle.
Despite the judge's decision, both parties indicated intentions to appeal, leading to the trial being rescheduled to resume at 10 am the following Wednesday.
Anthony Hudson KC, representing NGN, noted that negotiations had been intense recently, citing challenges due to time zone differences.
Yet, he remarked that both parties considered continuing negotiations as crucial, suggesting that a brief adjournment could potentially facilitate a resolution.
Similarly, David Sherborne, representing Prince Harry and Watson, mentioned that they sought more time only because it appeared promising to potentially conserve significant court time.
However, Justice Fancourt dismissed the appeal for another delay, stating that the trial should proceed as planned.
He clarified that he would not hinder access to justice should the parties choose to approach the court of appeal.
The high court trial, anticipated to last up to 10 weeks, is now set to recommence at the appointed time.
The trial, originally slated to start on a recent Tuesday morning, was delayed as both parties sought additional time to negotiate a potential settlement regarding allegations of unlawful information gathering.
Prince Harry and Lord Watson are taking legal action against NGN, which also published the defunct News of the World, over the claims of unlawful activity.
NGN has denied any wrongdoing at the Sun.
As the trial was anticipated to open at 10:30 am, legal representatives from both sides requested two adjournments, postponing the start until the afternoon.
Following a 2 pm session, Mr. Justice Fancourt, the trial judge, declined a third request for an adjournment until Wednesday, emphasizing that sufficient time had been allocated to reach an agreement, and expressing skepticism about a genuine intent to settle.
Despite the judge's decision, both parties indicated intentions to appeal, leading to the trial being rescheduled to resume at 10 am the following Wednesday.
Anthony Hudson KC, representing NGN, noted that negotiations had been intense recently, citing challenges due to time zone differences.
Yet, he remarked that both parties considered continuing negotiations as crucial, suggesting that a brief adjournment could potentially facilitate a resolution.
Similarly, David Sherborne, representing Prince Harry and Watson, mentioned that they sought more time only because it appeared promising to potentially conserve significant court time.
However, Justice Fancourt dismissed the appeal for another delay, stating that the trial should proceed as planned.
He clarified that he would not hinder access to justice should the parties choose to approach the court of appeal.
The high court trial, anticipated to last up to 10 weeks, is now set to recommence at the appointed time.