The publisher of The Sun newspaper has agreed to pay "substantial damages" and has issued an apology to the Duke of Sussex to resolve a lengthy legal dispute over allegations of unlawful intrusion into his private life.
Prince Harry claimed that News Group Newspapers (NGN) journalists and private investigators used illicit methods to invade his privacy, with executives allegedly participating in a cover-up.
NGN apologized for the "serious intrusion" by The Sun from 1996 to 2011, acknowledging that private investigators working for the newspaper engaged in "unlawful activity." The statement also expressed regret for the distress caused to Harry through extensive coverage and intrusion into his late mother, Princess Diana's, private life.
The settlements for Prince Harry and former Labour deputy leader Lord Tom Watson have reportedly cost NGN over £10m in payouts and legal fees. NGN has paid out over £1bn in damages and costs to individuals affected by phone hacking and privacy breaches by News of the World and The Sun.
Prince Harry alleged that more than 200 NGN articles from 1996 to 2011 contained information obtained illegally. He sought "accountability" for other victims through a trial.
NGN was surprised by Prince Harry's proactive approach to settlement. In response, a source close to the Duke of Sussex stated that the apology "provides all the insight you need."
Prince Harry's barrister described the settlement as a "monumental victory," emphasizing that NGN has been held accountable for its illegal actions.
NGN also apologized to Lord Watson for intrusion into his private life by individuals associated with News of the World, including surveillance.
The apology aimed to "draw a line under the past" and conclude the litigation. NGN clarified that Lord Watson's phone was not hacked from 2009 to 2011.
NGN had apologized previously for practices at News of the World but had denied similar allegations regarding The Sun and Prince Harry's accusations of a corporate cover-up.
NGN acknowledged in its apology that its response to the 2006 arrests related to phone hacking was regrettable.
Following the settlement, Lord Watson expressed relief that responsibility had been accepted, calling the snooping by NGN staff "industrial in scale."
NGN has avoided further scrutiny by agreeing to the settlement, preventing revelations about executive involvement in obstruction of justice.
The settlement has spared NGN from headlines about press intrusion into the royal family and government matters.
Earl Spencer praised Prince Harry for securing an apology to his late mother, Princess Diana, stating she would have been touched and proud.
Former Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie noted the potential damage if chief executive Rebekah Brooks had been required to testify at a trial.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy described it as a significant day for the parties involved, emphasizing the importance of balancing the rights of families and media to uphold a fair press.
Harry believes tabloids contributed to Princess Diana's tragic death, and the settlement brings closure to this legal battle.