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Former senior member of the British Royal family, Prince Harry has secured a major victory against a media house in the United Kingdom, Mirror Group Newspapers, in a phone hacking trial.
In June 2023 the Duke of Sussex appeared in court and testified against MGN, alleging that the company had constantly invaded his privacy by using several unlawful means to obtain information about him.
On Friday, a UK High Court judge, Justice Fancourt ruled that there was sufficient evidence of “widespread and habitual” use of phone hacking by MGN in curating stories about the Prince, Sky News reports.
The judge specifically noted that 15 out of 33 articles that Prince Harry presented as evidence were curated after the company hacked the plaintiff’s phone or that of his associates.
Justice Fancourt also pointed out that the claimant’s phone “was only hacked to a modest extent” from the end of 2003 to April 2009. He afterward awarded the Prince a sum of £140,600 in damages.
Reacting to the verdict, Prince Harry’s lawyer, David Sherborne read a statement on his behalf outside the High Court.
“This case is not just about hacking – it is about a systemic practice of unlawful and appalling behaviour, followed by cover-ups and destruction of evidence, the shocking scale of which can only be revealed through these proceedings,” he said.
“I’ve been told that slaying dragons will get you burned. But in light of today’s victory and the importance of doing what is needed for a free and honest press – it’s a worthwhile price to pay.”
In a release shared with BBC, a spokeswoman of MGN tendered an unreserved apology for the group’s actions and expressed acceptance of the court’s decision.
“We welcome today’s judgement that gives the business the necessary clarity to move forward from events that took place many years ago,” she said.
“Where historical wrongdoing took place, we apologise unreservedly, have taken full responsibility, and paid appropriate compensation.”
