The Duke of Sussex has resolved his remaining phone hacking grievances against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN).
According to sources, MGN will cover all legal fees for Prince Harry and pay approximately £300,000 in additional damages.
This settlement concludes a four-year legal clash between the prince and the publisher, addressing claims of unauthorized intrusion into 115 stories.
Representing the prince outside the High Court, lawyer David Sherborne affirmed, “Our mission goes on.”
Sherborne also criticized former Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan, asserting that Morgan, “as editor, was well aware of the situation.”
The stories in question were published from 1996 to 2010, and Prince Harry faced questioning last June about his assertions that the information could only have been obtained unlawfully.
In December, the court found evidence of widespread phone hacking at MGN.
Although Piers Morgan, editor from 1995 to 2004, denied knowledge of phone hacking attempts by newspaper staff, he’s not personally liable due to his employment gap and played no role in the legal proceedings.
In response to the settlement, Morgan concurred with Prince Harry’s condemnation of intrusive practices, stating, “I hope he stops doing it.”
The judge, Mr. Justice Fancourt, criticized the adversarial nature of the legal battle.
Previously awarded damages to the duke amounted to £140,600 for 15 claims against MGN. Friday’s settlement addresses an additional 115 stories.
Prince Harry’s lawyer informed the court that his client would receive a significant sum in damages from MGN, in addition to covering legal expenses.
The publisher expressed satisfaction with the agreement, aiming to move past past transgressions.
Following December’s ruling, MGN apologized for historical wrongdoing and compensated victims.
Apart from Prince Harry, other public figures pursued similar claims against MGN, accusing the publisher of privacy breaches.
While 33 articles were scrutinized during last year’s trial, 15 were found to involve unlawful information gathering. Settlement of the additional 115 articles averted further trial proceedings.
Prince Harry’s representative reiterated the call for accountability, including for Piers Morgan, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive judgment.
The statement concluded with a commitment to pursuing justice to the end.
Several other claimants, including Michael Le Vell, Nikki Sanderson, and Fiona Wightman, brought similar allegations against MGN. Sanderson and Wightman’s claims were dismissed due to timing issues, although some complaints were substantiated.
Mr. Justice Fancourt criticized the litigants’ approach, citing unrealistic demands and refusal to negotiate.
Prince Harry was absent from court proceedings on Friday, having returned to the US after visiting his father, King Charles.
The prince has been vocal about his criticism of the British tabloid press and is engaged in ongoing legal battles, including claims against News Group Newspapers scheduled for trial in 2025.
Last month, he withdrew a libel claim against Associated Newspapers concerning a story about his security arrangements during UK visits post-royal duties.
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