Prince Harry Settles Mirror Group Phone Hacking Case for $500K

The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, has reached a significant settlement with Mirror Group Newspapers, putting an end to a prolonged legal battle over alleged phone hacking by the British tabloid publisher. Reports indicate that the settlement amounts to a staggering $500,000, signaling a conclusion to the four-year dispute.

According to statements from Harry’s attorney, David Sherborne, the Mirror Group has agreed to make interim payments totaling £400,000 ($504,142) to settle Harry’s claims against the publisher. This resolution comes after Justice Timothy Fancourt ruled in December that the Mirror Group had targeted Harry’s phone multiple times between 2003 and 2009, leading to the publication of at least 15 articles based on unlawfully obtained information.

The spokesperson for Mirror Group Newspapers expressed satisfaction with the agreement, stating that it provides further clarity for their business to move forward from events that transpired many years ago. The settlement follows a prior court order for the publisher to pay Harry $180,000, bringing the total compensation to $684,000.

Sherborne emphasized the gravity of the court’s ruling, describing it as “extremely damaging” and revealing the “shockingly dishonest way” in which the publisher operated. Notably, Kelvin MacKenzie, a former editor for The Sun tabloid, suggested that Harry could have pursued a larger sum in damages, implying a lack of public support for the Duke despite the seriousness of the allegations.

The legal saga began in 2019 when Harry filed a lawsuit against Mirror Group Newspapers, accusing the Daily Mirror and The Sun of hacking his phone between 1996 and 2011 to source information for numerous stories. The High Court’s examination of 33 articles concluded that Harry’s phone was hacked to a “modest extent,” leading to the revelation that at least 15 stories were grounded in unlawfully obtained information.

Harry’s legal battles against tabloid press are not new. Alongside his wife, Meghan Markle, he has been vocal about their negative experiences with the British media, particularly after stepping away from royal duties in 2020. The couple has initiated multiple lawsuits, with varying outcomes.

In February 2022, Harry filed a lawsuit against Associated Newspapers following allegations published by the Mail on Sunday suggesting he had lied to conceal a legal dispute with the British government. However, this claim was dropped in January after Harry was directed to pay legal fees. Additionally, Harry launched another lawsuit against the publisher in October 2022, involving himself and six other public figures, including Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley, and Sadie Frost, citing “abhorrent criminal activity and gross breaches of privacy.” This particular claim is slated to proceed to trial following a ruling by a U.K. judge in November.

The settlement with Mirror Group Newspapers marks a significant development in Prince Harry’s ongoing battle against intrusive media practices. While the financial compensation brings closure to this chapter, it also underscores the broader challenges faced by public figures in maintaining their privacy and dignity amidst relentless media scrutiny. As the legal proceedings continue, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to defending their rights and seeking accountability for alleged wrongdoing in the tabloid industry.