Prince Harry’s legal battle against the publisher of The Sun is making headlines as he prepares to testify in a trial centered around allegations of unlawful information gathering. Set to begin this week at London’s High Court, the Duke of Sussex, alongside Lord Tom Watson, seeks to hold News Group Newspapers (NGN) accountable for alleged invasive practices.
What’s Happening?
Prince Harry claims journalists and private investigators employed by NGN unlawfully targeted him to obtain material for news stories.
This trial, expected to last up to 10 weeks, marks one of several legal challenges Harry has faced since stepping back from royal duties five years ago
While NGN denies the allegations and maintains no unlawful practices occurred at The Sun, Harry has been allowed to present email exchanges between NGN executives and royal household members as evidence. However, a High Court ruling in July 2023 barred him from pursuing claims of phone hacking.
Key Details of the Case
Unlawful Practices: The trial will focus on claims involving private investigators rather than phone hacking, which Harry was previously restricted from pursuing.
Past Allegations: Harry also alleged that private investigators were hired to target his now-wife Meghan Markle in 2016, but the court did not allow this claim to be added to the case.
Trial Duration: The proceedings are expected to stretch over several weeks, with Harry likely to face rigorous cross-examination.
Parties involved
Lord Tom Watson, a former deputy leader of the Labour Party, is also suing NGN. Meanwhile, other high-profile figures, including Hugh Grant, Sienna Miller, and Paul Gascoigne, have already settled claims with NGN over similar allegations.
Speaking at an event in December 2024,
Harry emphasized his commitment to accountability, stating:
“I’m the last person who can actually achieve that.”
NGN has consistently denied the allegations. While the company admitted to voicemail interception by the now-defunct News of the World in 2011 and settled over 1,300 claims, it insists that The Sun has not engaged in any unlawful activities. The publisher argues that Harry’s and Watson’s cases are “brought out of time” and intends to defend them vigorously.
Comparisons to the 'Mirror Case'
This isn’t Harry’s first courtroom battle with the press. In 2023, a seven-week trial against The Mirror publishers revealed extensive phone hacking and other unlawful activities. A lengthy judgment highlighted the misuse of private investigators and deception in gathering information, further fueling Harry’s determination for justice.
Any Chance or Settlement?
Prince Harry’s privacy case against Rupert Murdoch's News Group Newspapers (NGN) faced delays due to last-minute settlement talks. Harry and former lawmaker Tom Watson allege unlawful information gathering by The Sun and the now-closed News of the World from 1996 to 2011.
NGN, which has paid millions in settlements for past phone-hacking cases, denies wrongdoing at The Sun. The eight-week trial will address claims of misconduct, cover-ups, and email deletion.
Harry seeks accountability, stating his goal is not financial but to uncover the truth.
As the trial unfolds, all eyes will be on Prince Harry as he fights for transparency and accountability, continuing his ongoing crusade against unethical media practices.
Update as of 9:30PM
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