Prince Harry has taken a bold stand in his ongoing struggle against the British media, specifically targeting News Group Newspapers (NGN) over allegations of phone hacking and privacy violations. The trial, which marks another significant chapter in Harry's battle for media accountability, commenced this week. However, the Duke of Sussex will not be present for the opening proceedings. Instead, he is scheduled to testify in court in February, continuing his determined pursuit to expose what he perceives as systematic misconduct by the tabloid press.
Harry's allegations against NGN span a period from 1996 to 2011, during which he claims journalists and private investigators employed by the publisher illegally accessed his personal information. NGN has denied these accusations. Despite the denials, Prince Harry remains one of the last plaintiffs actively pursuing legal action against NGN, while many others, including high-profile celebrities like Hugh Grant and Sienna Miller, have opted to settle their claims.
“News Group are claiming they are entirely innocent of the things I had accused The Sun of doing—phone hacking, unlawful information gathering, landline tapping, the burglary of my flat and office, the bugging of my car, the illegal blagging of medical records, lies, perjury, and the destruction of evidence.” – Hugh Grant
The trial runs parallel to other notable claims against NGN, underscoring a broader issue of alleged unlawful information gathering by the tabloid publisher. Prince Harry has publicly accused NGN of such practices and has been vocal about his quest for accountability within the media landscape. He describes this fight as deeply personal, driven by a desire to protect not only his privacy but also the integrity of journalism.
“I will be damned if those journalists are going to ruin journalism for everyone because we depend on it,” – Prince Harry
In pursuing this legal action, Prince Harry faces numerous challenges but remains undeterred. His commitment to holding the media accountable reflects his belief that he is perhaps one of the last individuals capable of achieving this goal.
“I am the last person that can actually achieve [accountability],” – Prince Harry
Beyond this legal battle with NGN, Prince Harry is also embroiled in ongoing disputes with the UK government regarding security provisions for his visits. Earlier this year, he lost an initial appeal regarding security protection for his family, including his wife Meghan and their children Archie and Lilibet. Despite this setback, he remains resolute in challenging the decision due to concerns for their safety.
The case is set to revisit legal rulings that stripped Harry and his family of security protection while in the UK in February 2025. This aspect further complicates the Duke's efforts and highlights broader tensions between him and UK authorities.
