Murdoch Publications Issue Apology to Prince Harry for Intrusion on Privacy, Including that of the Late Princess Diana

Prince Harry achieved a significant legal victory against Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers (NGN), publisher of The Sun, securing an unprecedented apology and substantial damages for phone hacking and privacy intrusions spanning from 1996 to 2011. This landmark settlement marks the first time NGN has admitted wrongdoing at The Sun, a tabloid renowned for its sensationalist reporting. The apology extended beyond the lawsuit’s scope to acknowledge the distress caused to Harry and the damage inflicted on his relationships, friendships, and family, including the intrusion into the life of his late mother, Princess Diana. The settlement represents a culmination of Harry’s relentless pursuit of accountability, not only for himself but also for hundreds of other victims affected by NGN’s unlawful practices.

The dramatic courtroom announcement came just as the trial was set to begin. Harry, along with former Labour MP Tom Watson, were the last two claimants standing out of over 1,300 individuals who had previously settled with NGN over similar allegations. Harry’s lawyer, David Sherborne, revealed that NGN had engaged in a “perjury and cover-ups” campaign, deleting millions of emails and other records to obstruct justice. He described an “extensive conspiracy” involving senior executives within the organization to conceal the truth. This admission of systematic wrongdoing stands in stark contrast to NGN’s previous denials of any illegal activity at The Sun.

The settlement not only provided financial compensation but, more importantly, offered a public acknowledgment of the harm inflicted upon Harry and others. In a statement read outside the High Court, Harry emphasized the significance of the victory, stating that it represented a “vindication for the hundreds of other claimants who were strong-armed into settling without being able to get to the truth of what was done to them.” He highlighted the pervasiveness of the phone hacking, surveillance, and misuse of private information orchestrated by journalists and private investigators working for NGN. This settlement marks a pivotal moment in holding the tabloid accountable for its unethical practices.

Harry’s statement directly addressed Rebekah Brooks, the current CEO of News Group and former editor of The Sun during the period of the alleged wrongdoing. He recalled Brooks’ assertion at her 2014 trial that she ran a “clean ship” at The Sun. The settlement, however, directly contradicts this claim, proving that a “criminal enterprise” was operating under her leadership. This public rebuke of Brooks underscores Harry’s determination to expose the truth and challenge the power structures within the tabloid industry.

This case stands out as the closest any of the phone-hacking litigations against NGN has come to a full trial since the News of the World scandal in 2011, which forced the paper’s closure following revelations of hacking the phone of a murdered schoolgirl. This historical context emphasizes the significance of Harry’s persistence in his legal battles. The closure of News of the World, while a major event, focused on voicemail interceptions. This case against The Sun broadened the scope to include other forms of illegal intrusion, such as surveillance and broader misuse of private information.

Harry’s legal battle against the tabloids forms part of a larger, deeply personal conflict stemming from his troubled relationship with the media, rooted in the trauma of his mother’s death. He has openly blamed the relentless pursuit by paparazzi for contributing to Princess Diana’s fatal car crash in 1997. This experience fueled his deep-seated distrust and animosity towards the tabloid press, which he believes has continued to target him and his wife, Meghan Markle, ultimately driving them to relinquish their royal duties and relocate to the United States. The lawsuit against NGN represents a significant step in his ongoing fight against what he perceives as an intrusive and destructive media culture.

Furthermore, the legal battles have caused friction within the royal family. Court documents revealed that King Charles, Harry’s father, had opposed the lawsuit. It was also disclosed that Prince William, Harry’s older brother, had settled a separate privacy complaint against NGN. Despite the internal family disagreements, Harry has remained resolute in his pursuit of justice, viewing the legal action as a personal crusade to hold the tabloids accountable and protect his family from further intrusion. The settlement with NGN provides a measure of vindication for Harry, showcasing his determination to challenge the power dynamics between the media and public figures. With this victory behind him, attention now turns to his remaining lawsuit against Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Daily Mail, scheduled for trial next year. This ongoing legal battle signals Harry’s unwavering commitment to reforming media practices and protecting his privacy.