Prince Harry Initiates Legal Proceedings Against Rupert Murdoch's Newspaper Group
The legal case against News Group Newspapers, concerning claims of illegal conduct by reporters and private detectives, commences at the High Court in London.
Prince Harry's legal proceedings against Rupert Murdoch's British newspaper group commenced at the High Court in London on Tuesday.
He is taking action against News Group Newspapers (NGN) over claims of illegal activities by journalists and private investigators for the Sun and the now-defunct News of the World, spanning from 1996 to 2011. Harry is committed to pursuing the matter to uncover the truth, emphasizing his determination to hold the press accountable, unlike others who have opted for settlements to avoid large legal costs.
The eight-week trial will start by addressing 'generic issues,' including phone hacking, unlawful information gathering, and the destruction of incriminating evidence.
The trial will also assess whether NGN misled law enforcement and gave false statements during a public inquiry into media ethics.
Evidence pertaining to Harry and former Labour Party deputy leader Tom Watson will be evaluated, with Harry expected to testify for at least two days.
The prince's participation in the trial is part of his ongoing legal dispute with the British press, which began after marrying Meghan Markle in 2018. Although he has already secured a win against Mirror Group Newspapers for phone hacking, his legal team seeks to reveal more instances of illegal press practices.
NGN has rejected all allegations regarding the Sun, and the trial marks the first examination of claims against this newspaper.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown is expected to testify, while Rebekah Brooks, the former editor of the Sun, will not.
NGN has previously apologized and paid significant sums in past phone hacking cases but denies any wrongdoing in this instance.
The trial’s outcome could have major consequences for the media group, as it investigates allegations of unlawful press activities from over a decade ago.