PA Media/dpa
London
Prince Harry has settled his legal action against the publisher of British newspaper The Sun over allegations of unlawful information-gathering shortly before the start of a weeks-long trial.
The Duke of Sussex has received an “unequivocal apology” from News Group Newspapers after “serious intrusion” by The Sun, including unlawful activities by private investigators working for the paper, as Harry and the publisher settled their High Court case.
The duke, 40, alleged he was targeted by journalists and private investigators working for News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World.
Shortly before an up-to-10-week trial was due to begin, Harry and NGN reached an agreement amid speculation of a potential settlement when the planned start of the case on Tuesday was repeatedly delayed. The agreement was announced in court on Wednesday morning by the duke’s barrister David Sherborne and included a “full and unequivocal apology” and “substantial” damages to the duke.
In a statement read to the court, the media company apologised for intrusion between 1996 and 2011, including “incidents of unlawful activities” by private investigators working for The Sun.
NGN also apologised to Harry for phone hacking, surveillance and misuse of private information by journalists and private investigators at the News of the World, which closed in 2011. “We acknowledge and apologise for the distress caused to the duke, and the damage inflicted on relationships, friendships and family, and have agreed to pay him substantial damages,” the NGN statement continued.
Lord Tom Watson, former Labour deputy leader, also settled his claim as he was also offered a “full and unequivocal” apology and substantial damages for “unwarranted intrusion” into his private life during his time in government by the News of the World. Speaking outside of court, Lord Watson paid tribute to Harry. He said: “His bravery and astonishing courage have brought accountability to a part of the media that thought it was untouchable.”
