Prince Harry locked in a battle against the Mirror Group News over phone hacking allegations. A few months back, Harry scored a win, bagging £140,000 in damages for 15 stories published using unlawfully obtained information. But that victory was just the tip of the iceberg. Harry wasn't satisfied. He had his sights set on a further 115 stories that he claimed were only possible due to similar shady practices. After a grueling four-year legal battle, Prince Harry finally settled the case. But let's not kid ourselves, this wasn't a walk in the park for Harry. He endured full days of intense cross-examinations in court, and the judge wasn't exactly singing praises for either side's approach to the proceedings. It was a messy fight to the end.
Now, here's where things get juicy. Harry reportedly settled for around £300,000 plus his hefty legal costs. That's no small chunk of change, folks. And his counsel, Mr. Sherban, made it clear that this wasn't just about the money. It's about upholding the rule of law and holding everyone accountable, including the former Mirror editor, Mr. Morgan. But wait, there's more. Meghan and Harry's spokesperson chimed in, stating that Harry is ready to settle because the new owners of MGN, who also acquired what was left of the News of the World, are willing to compensate victims.
Hold onto your horses, because let's peel back the layers. Mr. Sherban, Harry's legal eagle, had initially rejected a £200,000 settlement offer, confident they would win more in court. But after a trial and a loss of £60,000, they found themselves back at the negotiating table. And what did the Mirror offer? A cool £400,000 for 15 articles.
Now, why would the Mirror cough up such a hefty sum? It's simple. They wanted to sweep the mess under the rug. They didn't want any more trials or scrutiny. And while Harry might not have been thrilled with the deal, he had to take it. He wasn't exactly swimming in victories, and let's be real, this isn't about justice or holding accountabilities. It's about cutting losses.
So, what's next for Harry? Well, he's got his sights set on the Mirror for their post-2012 antics. But let's not hold our breath for another generous settlement. It seems the Mirror's newfound willingness to compensate victims might have its limits.
