LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE
Prince Harry Begins Legal Battle Against News Group Newspapers
The Duke of Sussex accuses tabloids of long-term privacy invasions; litigation underscores broader allegations of misconduct.
21 January 2025 · 05:44 UTC
The case, commencing before Mr Justice Fancourt, represents a significant chapter in Harry's campaign to expose alleged wrongdoing by some segments of the British media.
The trial, expected to last ten weeks, draws attention to accusations spanning over 15 years.
These allegations assert that NGN journalists utilized illicit means, such as phone hacking, to obtain private information about Harry and others in his circle.
While News of the World ceased operations in 2011 amidst the phone hacking scandal, NGN continues to deny similar activities at The Sun, resisting claims of executive-level cover-ups.
Thus far, NGN has resolved civil claims with around 1,300 individuals affected by phone hacking, paying settlements and legal fees totaling approximately £1 billion.
Despite these settlements, NGN has refuted claims of misconduct associated with The Sun.
The case places Prince Harry at risk of significant financial liability.
Under UK civil rules, if Harry rejects a settlement offer greater than the trial-determined damages, he may be responsible for his and his opponent's legal costs.
Co-claimant Lord Tom Watson, a former Labour MP, joins Harry in this lawsuit, both asserting that their privacy was violated.
A past ruling awarded Harry £140,600 in damages for widespread and habitual phone hacking.
Now, he presents over 200 articles as basis for his claims, with 30 to be closely examined for alleged unlawful information gathering.
While NGN intends to counter these claims by arguing the articles were from legitimate sources and that corporate cover-up allegations were unfounded, the trial also revisits history.
In 2006, News of the World’s royal editor Clive Goodman and private investigator Glenn Mulcaire were imprisoned for phone hacking.
In a prolonged trial in 2013-2014, several former senior staff, including editor Andy Coulson, faced justice.
Notably, Rebekah Brooks, then editor and now NGN’s chief executive, was acquitted of any charges in both the hacking scandal and alleged obstruction of justice.
Her role, alongside other executives like Will Lewis, may come under scrutiny.
The fallout from the phone hacking was monumental, leading to the closure of News of the World and ongoing legal ramifications.
As part of broader efforts, Prince Harry, supported by figures such as Sir Elton John and Baroness Doreen Lawrence, prepares for further litigation against the publishers of the Daily Mail, on claims promising to challenge the media group's integrity.
Prince Harry, emphasizing his pursuit of accountability, has declined to resolve matters quietly despite potential personal costs, stressing the unique position he occupies to seek this recourse.
His willingness to testify marks a pivotal moment in his legal strategy against Britain’s media landscape, with developments unfolding over the coming weeks.