Prince Harry has successfully reached a settlement with the Rupert Murdoch-owned publisher of The Sun, putting an end to a prolonged legal dispute that the British royal had vehemently insisted needed to go to trial for accountability regarding hacking and surveillance claims. The announcement was made by his lawyer, David Sherborne, who confirmed that the tabloid publisher would pay Harry a substantial sum as part of the agreement, which will also cover legal fees.

The settlement, reported to be an eight-figure amount, compelled the publisher to issue a full and unequivocal apology to Harry for the unlawful invasion of his privacy, which included phone hacking and surveillance. In the official statement, the publisher expressed remorse for the distress caused and the damage to personal relationships, notably referencing the intrusive coverage that affected both Harry and his late mother, Princess Diana.

Following the Forbes article, Sherborne remarked, “Today the lies are laid bare. Today, the cover-ups are exposed. And today proves that no one stands above the law. The time for accountability has arrived.” This statement was echoed a day after Sherborne had requested a delay in the trial’s start, showing his strategic approach in negotiating the settlement.

While this settlement may seem modest by American legal standards, it is regarded as a significant sum within the UK context, signaling the challenges faced by media outlets in the wake of privacy and hacking accusations. Sherborne has not shied away from condemning News Group Newspapers, claiming they have obstructed justice through acts such as deleting over 30 million emails and providing false testimonies.

Harry has been vocal about the challenges posed by the British tabloid press, criticizing their “distorted, false or invasive” narratives over recent years. This settlement marks yet another chapter in his ongoing battle against tabloid journalism, which has included previous successful claims against other tabloids. In 2023, the publisher of the Daily Mirror was ordered to compensate Harry for damages related to phone hacking incidents.

This developing story is part of a larger context in which Harry, alongside other high-profile figures like Elton John, has been engaged in legal action against several major tabloids over allegations of unlawful information-gathering practices. Despite the settlement, it remains clear that Prince Harry is committed to advocating for the rights of individuals against intrusive media practices. Source