Prince Harry settles phone-hacking claim with Mirror group
Prince Harry has reached a settlement with Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) over phone-hacking allegations.
The publisher will cover his legal expenses and pay additional damages estimated at £300,000.
The legal dispute, which has lasted four years, revolved around 115 allegedly unlawfully obtained stories.
Lawyer David Sherborne, representing Prince Harry, emphasized their ongoing commitment to their cause after the settlement, and criticized Piers Morgan, a former editor of the Daily Mirror, for being aware of the hacking practices. Morgan denies any wrongdoing and did not participate in the court proceedings as he left MGN 20 years ago.
Justice Fancourt expressed disapproval of both parties' aggressive litigation tactics. Previously, Harry won £140,600 for 15 claims against MGN, with additional damages now agreed upon for the remaining 115 articles. MGN, currently owned by Reach PLC, has admitted past wrongdoings and issued an apology.
In a court statement, Sherborne called upon the authorities to ensure that the rule of law is upheld, including accountability for individuals like Morgan.
Other celebrities had filed similar claims against MGN, with some dismissed for being filed too late. Justice Fancourt also criticized some claimants for unrealistic allegations and refusal to negotiate.
Prince Harry, who has recently returned to the US and is known for his critical stance against the British tabloid press, still has legal issues pending, including a 2025 trial against News Group Newspapers. He also recently dropped a libel suit against the publisher of the Mail on Sunday regarding an article about his security funding.
The legal dispute, which has lasted four years, revolved around 115 allegedly unlawfully obtained stories.
Lawyer David Sherborne, representing Prince Harry, emphasized their ongoing commitment to their cause after the settlement, and criticized Piers Morgan, a former editor of the Daily Mirror, for being aware of the hacking practices. Morgan denies any wrongdoing and did not participate in the court proceedings as he left MGN 20 years ago.
Justice Fancourt expressed disapproval of both parties' aggressive litigation tactics. Previously, Harry won £140,600 for 15 claims against MGN, with additional damages now agreed upon for the remaining 115 articles. MGN, currently owned by Reach PLC, has admitted past wrongdoings and issued an apology.
In a court statement, Sherborne called upon the authorities to ensure that the rule of law is upheld, including accountability for individuals like Morgan.
Other celebrities had filed similar claims against MGN, with some dismissed for being filed too late. Justice Fancourt also criticized some claimants for unrealistic allegations and refusal to negotiate.
Prince Harry, who has recently returned to the US and is known for his critical stance against the British tabloid press, still has legal issues pending, including a 2025 trial against News Group Newspapers. He also recently dropped a libel suit against the publisher of the Mail on Sunday regarding an article about his security funding.