More than five years after he filed a lawsuit against the publisher of The Sun, Prince Harry received a significant payout following the legal battle. According to The Daily Mail, not only did he receive £10 million, but the royal was also offered an “unreserved apology” from News Group newspaper (NGN) for using private investigators to spy on him for photo opportunities.
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During the legal battle, the publisher admitted it used private investigators between 1996 and 2011 and used unlawful methods to get information about and photos of Prince Harry.
The royal sued the publisher, claiming private investigators teamed up with journalists at The Sun and now-debunked News of the World to target him and his family.
Barrister David Sherborne also spoke out. He declared there was a “historic admission of guilt” that was achieved. It was “only” through the “sheer resilience” of the prince. “Today the lies are laid bare. Today, the cover-ups are exposed,” Sherborne stated. “And today proves that no one stands above the law. The time for accountability has arrived.”
Prince Harry previously stated he would settle the case out of court. He insisted he was “the last person” who could achieve a courtroom showdown against NGN.
The Publisher Issues a Public Apology to Prince Harry Following Its Courtroom Loss
Following the official verdict, NGN released a statement apologizing to Prince Harry.
“NGN offers a full and unequivocal apology to the Duke of Sussex for the serious intrusion by The Sun between 1996 and 2011 into his private life,” the apology reads. “Including incidents of unlawful activities carried out by private investigators working for The Sun.”
The publisher also apologized to Prince Harry for the extensive coverage’s impact on him and his family. “We acknowledge and apologize for the distress caused to the Duke,” the publisher stated. “And the damage inflicted on relationships, friendships, and family, and have agreed to pay him substantial damages.”
NGN also acknowledged its regrettable response to the 2006 arrests and subsequent actions. The publisher pointed out that the acknowledgment was made without any admission of illegality.
“NGN also offers a full and unequivocal apology to Lord Watson,” the apology continued. “For the unwarranted intrusion carried out into his private life during his time in Government by the News of the World during the period 2009-2011. This includes him being placed under surveillance in 2009 by journalists at the News of the World and those instructed by them.”
Justice Fancourt addressed the press and the public who had gathered in the court after the settlement was announced.
“I am sorry that you were kept waiting around yesterday, expecting the trial to start,” he said. “I am sorry that for some time yesterday, it was probably unclear to some of you what was happening.”
Fancourt added that “these things happen in litigation.”