In a recent development, Prince Harry has reached a settlement in the phone hacking case against The Mirror.
Several months ago, Prince Harry achieved a significant victory when he successfully argued against the Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), asserting that they had published 15 articles based on unlawfully obtained telephone hacking information. As a result, he was awarded £140,000 in damages. However, this resolution did not address the additional 115 stories that Prince Harry claimed also relied on similar illicit practices.
After four years of legal battles, Prince Harry has now resolved this ongoing dispute. The road to this resolution was far from easy; Prince Harry found himself embroiled in intense courtroom scrutiny, enduring two full days of cross-examination. Throughout the proceedings, the presiding judge, Mr. Justice Fancourt, criticized the adversarial approach taken by both parties.
Ultimately, Prince Harry agreed to settle the case for approximately £300,000, along with covering his substantial legal fees. In a statement delivered by Mr. Sherban, counsel for Prince Harry, the prince emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and holding everyone accountable, including figures like Mr. Morgan, the former editor.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle revealed that Harry is now prepared to settle further telephone hacking cases against MGN and The Mirror. This decision comes as MGN, which acquired remnants of the defunct News of the World, has shown a willingness to compensate victims of past wrongdoings. Despite initial resistance, Prince Harry accepted a settlement offer of £400,000 for 15 articles, recognizing the pragmatic need to bring closure to the issue.
The Mirror's conciliatory approach contrasts sharply with its previous stance. While initially offering only £200,000, they eventually doubled their settlement offer. This shift in strategy reflects a desire to avoid protracted legal battles and mitigate reputational damage. For Prince Harry, accepting the settlement signifies a pragmatic choice, considering the uncertainties of litigation and the mounting legal costs.
However, beneath the surface, Harry's acceptance of the settlement does not signify acquiescence. Instead, it marks a strategic move to assert accountability and seek closure for past transgressions. Moving forward, Prince Harry aims to hold The Mirror accountable for its actions post-2012, signaling a continued commitment to transparency and justice in media practices.
