LONDON — The high-stakes sequel to Prince Harry's feud with British tabloids commenced this Tuesday, with the Duke of Sussex taking on Rupert Murdoch's News Group Newspapers in a court case that could endanger him financially, even if successful. At 40 years old, Harry, along with one other claimant, stands virtually alone amidst hundreds who have accepted settlements tied to accusations of phone hacking and privacy invasions by the publisher of The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World.

This landmark trial marks the first instance since the extensive phone hacking scandal led to the closure of News of the World in 2011, during which News Group settled over 1,300 claims. For Harry, this trial represents a continuation of his battle against the press, which he blames for the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana, in a car crash while being pursued by paparazzi. He also claims the media’s continuous harassment of his wife, Meghan Markle, drove them to abandon royal duties and move to the U.S. in 2020.

The Duke has articulated that his pursuit of media accountability has fostered tensions within his family, emphasizing that exposing unethical practices is a moral imperative he feels he must pursue. Following a successful lawsuit against the Daily Mirror's publisher in 2023, he now has another case pending against the Daily Mail's publisher.

In this current trial, Harry alleges that journalists and private investigators employed by News Group engaged in illegal activities between 1996 and 2011 to uncover sensitive information about him and his family. Fellow claimant, Tom Watson, a former deputy leader of the Labour Party, contends that his voicemails were unlawfully accessed throughout a period when he was investigating similar hacking allegations.

Their attorney indicated a persistent pattern of deceitful tactics, including the interception of medical and flight records, home burglaries, and the installation of listening devices in vehicles. In contrast, News Group firmly denies these allegations, insisting that Harry has failed to launch his lawsuit within the stipulated six-year time frame and has labeled the claims as "wrong" and "unsustainable."

The case has introduced considerable motivations to settle, particularly noted when actor Hugh Grant, initially a co-claimant, opted to receive an “enormous sum of money” to avoid facing potential legal fees exceeding £10 million ($12.3 million) even with a favorable outcome. Under English civil law, a claimant risks incurring payment for both sides’ legal costs if they receive a judgment that falls short of the settlement offer.

Despite facing significant financial risks, Harry remains resolute in his decision. “They’ve settled because they’ve had to settle,” he stated during the New York Times Dealbook Summit in December, underscoring his motivations for accountability amid others’ capitulation.

The trial, anticipated to last about ten weeks, will require Harry to testify for several days in February. His previous testimony in 2023 as the first senior royal to appear in a court since the late 19th century set the stage for heightened scrutiny of family dynamics. Court documents reveal tensions with his father, as well as claims that his brother, Prince William, accepted a hefty settlement from News Group.

Harry revealed that these legal battles have contributed to a strain within the family. “The mission continues, but it has, yes, it’s caused, as you say, part of a rift,” Harry remarked in the documentary Tabloids On Trial. He expressed a desire for greater familial support in standing against media malpractices.

Despite numerous setbacks in court proceedings, including a judge dismissing some claims based on publicized awareness of the hacking scandal, Harry is undeterred. His pursuit of justice against Murdoch's empire continues amid allegations that he operated a cover-up related to the scandal. While the court has dismissed some of his efforts to implicate additional figures or suggest collusion with Buckingham Palace, Harry remains committed to his pursuit.

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