Janice R. Andrews
Prince Harry has settled his legal case with News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of The Sun, over claims of unlawful intrusion into his private life. The resolution, announced on Tuesday, marks a key moment in the Duke of Sussex’s efforts to hold British tabloids accountable for alleged misconduct.
The case revolved around allegations that NGN journalists and private investigators used illegal methods to obtain personal information about Harry and later concealed their actions. The Duke had initially sought justice for over 200 articles published between 1996 and 2011, which he claimed were based on illegally gathered details.
Despite his desire for the case to go to trial to achieve accountability for victims of illegal newsgathering, settlement discussions between the two sides concluded the dispute without a trial.
This marks another chapter in Harry’s legal challenges against the British press. Last year, he resolved a similar case against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), where he accused the publisher of unlawful information-gathering. That settlement awarded him over £300,000 in damages and covered his legal costs.
While NGN has admitted to unlawful practices at the now-closed News of the World, it has consistently denied similar accusations against The Sun, including Harry’s claims of a corporate-wide cover-up.
Harry’s relationship with the media has long been contentious, shaped by his mother, Princess Diana’s, tragic death in 1997 during a paparazzi chase. This history has fueled his commitment to challenging press misconduct and protecting privacy.
The terms of the settlement remain confidential, but the resolution highlights Harry’s continued push for accountability in the media industry and his dedication to safeguarding the privacy of those impacted by unethical journalism.
