Prince Harry settles legal claim against Sun publisher
GuardianJan 22
Prince Harry Settles Lawsuit, Murdoch Media Group Issues Full Apology
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Above: Barrister David Sherborne (C) stands next to former Labour deputy leader Lord Tom Watson (L), as he speaks to the media outside the High Court on Jan. 22, 2025 in London, England. Image copyright: Leon Neal/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
News Group Newspapers (NGN) has reached a settlement with Prince Harry and co-claimant former Labour politician Tom Watson over allegations of unlawful information gathering, offering an apology and damages for activities conducted by The Sun and News of the World between 1996-2011.
NGN specifically apologized for extensive coverage and serious intrusion into Harry's private life and that of his late mother, Princess Diana. It also acknowledged distress caused and damage inflicted on relationships, friendships, and family of the claimants.
Over the last 18 years, NGN has settled with over 1.3K claimants over allegations of improper practice and invasion of privacy, including phone hacking. However, this is the first time that NGN has admitted wrongdoing by The Sun.
The Spin
Left narrative
Prince Harry's settlement against NGN is a monumental step in holding the Murdoch empire accountable for years of unlawful actions. Most poignantly, NGN's apology for the intrusion into Princess Diana's life brings long-awaited closure. After years of relentless battles, Harry has finally secured justice for his mother. His courage in standing up to powerful media forces has not only vindicated him, but also brought overdue accountability to a corrupt system.
Right narrative
Prince Harry’s settlement with NGN shows his fight was more about money than justice. After years of framing this as a moral crusade, he accepted a likely eight-figure payout without forcing a trial. NGN apologized but admitted no criminal liability, leaving key questions unanswered. Unlike his brother, Prince William, who received the same apology quietly a decade ago, Harry made a spectacle of it. In the end, he backed down, leaving the media largely unscathed.
