Prince Harry’s legal battle against Rupert Murdoch’s British newspaper group faces an unexpected delay as last-minute settlement talks emerge.
At a Glance
- Prince Harry and Tom Watson are suing News Group Newspapers for alleged unlawful activities from 1996 to 2011
- The trial was delayed due to last-minute settlement discussions
- Harry aims to uncover the truth rather than seek financial compensation
- The case is part of Harry’s broader dispute against the press, which he blames for personal and family issues
- If no settlement is reached, the trial is expected to last 10 weeks with Harry testifying
Unexpected Delay in High-Stakes Trial
Prince Harry’s long-anticipated legal showdown with Rupert Murdoch’s British newspaper group has hit an unexpected snag. The trial, set to begin as an eight-week proceeding, was abruptly halted due to last-minute settlement talks. This development has caught many by surprise, given the prince’s determination to bring the case to court.
The delay was requested by the legal team representing Prince Harry and former Labour MP Tom Watson. Judge Timothy Fancourt granted the postponement but made it clear that this would be the final adjournment. The proceedings are set to commence in the afternoon if no agreement is reached, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
“I’m sure your lordship can understand why that might be needed,” David Sherborne, representing Prince Harry and Tom Watson, said.
At the heart of this legal battle are serious allegations against News Group Newspapers (NGN). Prince Harry and Tom Watson accuse the media giant of engaging in unlawful activities through its journalists and private investigators from 1996 to 2011. These claims encompass a range of invasive practices, including phone hacking and other forms of illegal information gathering.
“This allegation is wrong, unsustainable, and is strongly denied,” News Group stated.
The case has broader implications for media accountability and privacy rights. Prince Harry, in particular, has been vocal about his distrust of the press, which he blames for contributing to his mother Princess Diana’s challenges and recent attacks on his wife, Meghan Markle.
A Personal Battle for Prince Harry
For Prince Harry, this legal action is more than just a court case; it’s a deeply personal battle. The Duke of Sussex has consistently emphasized that his goal is to uncover the truth rather than seek financial compensation. This stance sets him apart from many other claimants who have settled similar cases against NGN.
“When I think about the fact that senior executives at NGN not only knew about and condoned phone hacking as a practice at both the News of the World and The Sun, but also actively sought to cover it up by the deliberate concealment and destruction of evidence on an industrial scale, my immediate thoughts are that this makes them criminals, not journalists, and the Fourth Estate is too important and rightly powerful to have criminals masquerading as journalists running the show,” Prince Harry said.
The prince’s determination to see the case through to trial has caused some friction within the royal family, who traditionally avoid public legal battles. However, it’s worth noting that Prince William reportedly settled his own case against NGN in 2020 for a substantial sum.
As settlement talks continue, the potential outcomes of this case remain uncertain. A settlement could provide financial benefits for Prince Harry, but it might also be seen as a capitulation by some observers. On the other hand, proceeding with the trial could lead to a landmark decision with far-reaching consequences for media practices and privacy rights.
