Prince Harry Makes Major U-Turn as He Settles Legal Case with British Media Group
Prince Harry has made a surprising decision by settling his legal case with the British media group News Group Newspapers (NGN). The Duke of Sussex has reportedly received a full and unequivocal apology from NGN for the serious invasion of his privacy by The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World.
A source close to Prince Harry’s team shared with the media: “The apology provides all the insight you need.” The settlement between Harry and NGN, along with Lord Tom Watson, was officially announced on Wednesday.
Sources indicate that NGN was taken aback by the Duke’s serious approach to settling the case in recent days. "They were surprised by how determined he was," a source told BBC News.
While the settlement has been reached, royal commentators and fans have speculated about the potential backlash Harry may face. The Duke had previously made it clear that he was against settling the case with NGN, making his change of stance a major U-turn.
The full apology issued by NGN reads:
“NGN offers a full and unequivocal apology to the Duke of Sussex for the serious intrusion by *The Sun* between 1996 and 2011 into his private life, including incidents of unlawful activities carried out by private investigators working for *The Sun*.
NGN also offers a full and unequivocal apology to the Duke of Sussex for the phone hacking, surveillance, and misuse of private information by journalists and private investigators instructed by them at the *News of the World*.
Furthermore, NGN apologizes for the impact this had on the Duke, particularly during his younger years, as well as the intrusion into the private life of Diana, Princess of Wales, his late mother.
We acknowledge and apologize for the distress caused to the Duke, the damage inflicted on his relationships, friendships, and family, and have agreed to pay him substantial damages.
It is also acknowledged, without any admission of illegality, that NGN's response to the 2006 arrests and subsequent actions was regrettable.”
Additionally, NGN issued an apology to Lord Watson for the unwarranted intrusion into his private life by the *News of the World* between 2009 and 2011. They also acknowledged the impact on Lord Watson's family and agreed to pay him substantial damages.
The statement continued: “We now understand that this information was false, and Lord Watson was not in receipt of any such confidential information. NGN apologizes fully and unequivocally for this.”
The settlement and apology mark a significant moment in the Duke’s ongoing legal battles with the British press, as well as his relationship with the media.
