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In a significant legal victory, Prince Harry has received a full and unequivocal apology from News Group Newspapers (NGN), the parent company of The Sun. This apology, coupled with substantial damages, marks the resolution of a long-standing legal dispute regarding invasive practices that deeply affected the Duke of Sussex’s private life. The settlement was announced just as the case was about to go to trial in the High Court, avoiding what could have been a damaging courtroom battle for NGN.

 

The apology acknowledged the use of unlawful methods by private investigators working for The Sun between 1996 and 2011. NGN also expressed regret for the distress caused by phone hacking, surveillance, and other intrusive activities. Furthermore, they admitted the harm caused to the late Princess Diana, Harry’s mother, particularly during his formative years. The acknowledgment of the emotional and relational damage inflicted adds a deeply personal dimension to this legal victory.

 

Prince Harry’s lawyer, David Sherborne, described the settlement as a “monumental victory.” He emphasized that the prince’s determination to hold NGN accountable not only exposed their wrongdoing but also sent a strong message about resilience and the importance of justice. Sherborne criticized the media giant’s executives for obstructing justice, highlighting their deliberate deletion of millions of emails and repeated false testimonies in court.

 

Lord Tom Watson, a fellow claimant and former Labour deputy leader, also received an apology and damages from NGN. He praised Prince Harry’s courage in taking on such a powerful entity, calling him a “predator” in pursuit of justice against the “big beast” of the media world. Watson further called for deeper investigations by both Parliament and the police into the extent of these unlawful practices, urging accountability at the highest levels of the media industry.

 

While this settlement brings a sense of vindication for Prince Harry and other victims, NGN has avoided the worst-case scenario—a full trial that could have exposed broader systemic issues within its operations. Nonetheless, this landmark case serves as a powerful reminder that no individual or corporation stands above the law, reinforcing the need for accountability and ethical practices in the media industry.