Prince Harry’s lawsuit against The Sun has officially begun, marking a pivotal moment in his ongoing legal battle against Rupert Murdoch’s media empire. The case, which opened on January 21, 2025, is part of Harry’s broader efforts to hold British tabloids accountable for alleged unlawful practices, including breaches of privacy and illegal information gathering.
The Background of Prince Harry’s Lawsuit Against The Sun
Prince Harry’s lawsuit against The Sun targets News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of the tabloid. Alongside former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson, Harry is one of two remaining claimants pursuing legal action against NGN. The allegations center on claims that NGN’s journalists and private investigators accessed personal information illegally over several years.
This case is separate from Harry’s earlier victory against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), where he successfully proved phone hacking occurred between 1996 and 2011. That lawsuit resulted in a significant damages award, further fueling Harry’s determination to confront unethical media practices.
Allegations Against The Sun
At the core of Prince Harry’s lawsuit against The Sun are accusations of unlawful information gathering. Harry alleges that NGN employed methods such as phone hacking, bugging, and “blagging,” a practice involving deception to obtain confidential information. He asserts that these tactics were used to create sensational stories about his personal life, dating back to his school years.
Additionally, Harry accuses the media’s invasive practices of targeting his family, citing the emotional toll these actions have taken. He has publicly blamed tabloids, including those under Rupert Murdoch’s ownership, for causing significant distress to his wife, Meghan Markle, and for contributing to the tragic circumstances surrounding his late mother, Princess Diana.
What the Trial Will Cover
The trial, expected to last eight to ten weeks, will focus on around 30 articles published by The Sun. These articles are believed to have been sourced through unlawful means, including the use of private investigators to access confidential information. Prince Harry’s lawsuit against The Sun also aims to challenge the long-held claim that such misconduct was limited to a few rogue employees at the now-defunct News of the World.
Harry’s attempts to expand the case by introducing phone hacking allegations and implicating Rupert Murdoch directly were rejected by the court. Despite this, the trial represents a significant opportunity to scrutinize the practices of British tabloids and their impact on individuals.
NGN’s Defense and Witnesses
News Group Newspapers has consistently denied any wrongdoing at The Sun and has pledged to vigorously defend the case. The defense is expected to challenge the timeliness of Harry’s claims, arguing that they fall outside the statute of limitations.
Notable figures are expected to testify during the trial, including Prince Harry himself and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Their testimonies will provide further insight into the extent of the alleged misconduct and its implications for public figures.
The Broader Implications
Prince Harry’s lawsuit against The Sun carries far-reaching implications for both the royal family and the British media landscape. Harry has been vocal about the harm caused by tabloids, accusing them of fueling division within his family and exploiting personal tragedies for profit. By pursuing legal action, he aims to hold these publications accountable and push for greater accountability in media practices.
For the royal family, this trial also highlights their complex relationship with the press. While some members of the family have maintained cordial ties with the media, Harry’s case underscores a growing demand for privacy and ethical journalism. His actions may inspire others to come forward with similar grievances, potentially leading to a broader reckoning for tabloid culture in the UK.
Conclusion
Prince Harry’s lawsuit against The Sun is more than just a legal battle; it is a statement against the unethical practices that have plagued British journalism for decades. As the trial unfolds, it is likely to draw widespread attention, shedding light on the extent of tabloid misconduct and its impact on public figures. For Harry, this is not just about seeking justice for himself and his family but also about challenging a system that has operated without accountability for far too long.
Through his courage and persistence, Prince Harry’s lawsuit against The Sun could mark a turning point in the fight for ethical journalism and personal privacy in the modern era.
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