Prince Harry's Landmark Triumph in UK Phone Hacking Lawsuit: A Moment of Validation and Reaffirmation

Prince Harry Carl Court/Getty Images

Prince Harry has spoken out following his legal victory against Mirror Group Newspapers. A London court ruled in his favor on December 15, finding that the publisher engaged in unlawful information gathering, including phone hacking.

The Duke of Sussex has won a lawsuit against Mirror Group Newspapers, accusing them of hacking his phone over a span of 15 years. Despite the media company's denial of the claims, London Judge Timothy Fancourt ruled in favor of Harry, stating that the evidence collected by his legal team had been unlawfully obtained by journalists. As a result, Harry was awarded £140,600 ($180,000) in damages.

In response to the ruling, Harry expressed that the case goes beyond hacking, highlighting a pattern of unlawful behavior, cover-ups, and destruction of evidence. He also addressed the defamatory stories and intimidating tactics that have targeted him and his family in the five years since he brought the claim.

Harry has learned that patience is indeed a virtue when dealing with court cases, especially after giving a seven-hour testimony against the Mirror Group in June. He expressed his commitment to seeing the case through, driven by his belief in the importance of a free and honest press that is held accountable when necessary. He emphasized the need for such standards in Britain and worldwide, noting that anything less would undermine a profession that everyone depends on.

Harry denounced the abuse of press power, urging those who have been deceived by Mirror Group to consider pressing charges against the company and those who have violated the law. He expressed his determination to continue fighting for a free and honest press, despite the risks involved.

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The trial against Mirror Group Newspapers has concluded, and now Harry is preparing for another court case against News Group Newspapers. Judge Fancourt ruled in July that Harry’s case will proceed regarding allegations of unlawful information, but without the phone hacking claims. The trial is scheduled to start next month.