The Duke of Sussex has recently participated in a sit-down interview as part of a documentary focusing on phone hacking. In the upcoming ITV programme, Tabloids on Trial, Prince Harry, who now resides in the US, will share his perspective on his “mission to continue his fight to expose the illegal tactics of Britain’s tabloid press.” This interview, scheduled to air on 25th July, will feature not only Harry but also other public figures such as Hugh Grant, Charlotte Church, and Paul Gascoigne.
This interview marks Prince Harry’s first major public appearance since his legal battle against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) concluded in February. The Duke filed a lawsuit against MGN, claiming that journalists associated with the publisher engaged in unethical practices, including phone hacking, deception (known as “blagging”), and the use of private investigators for illicit purposes. The court ruled in Harry’s favor, awarding him damages amounting to £140,600. The judge acknowledged the extensive phone hacking conducted by MGN from 2006 to 2011, even during the Leveson Inquiry. It was revealed that 15 articles from MGN were the result of illegal information gathering. The Duke’s legal team also secured a substantial sum in damages and Harry’s legal costs as part of a settlement reached in February.
Continued Mission
In a statement delivered outside the court by his barrister, David Sherborne, Prince Harry emphasized the importance of his mission to expose the dishonest practices of the press. He vowed to pursue this cause until the end, believing in the positive impact it will have. ITV, in a press release, highlighted the significance of the documentary, stating that it features Harry’s thoughts post his legal battle with Mirror Group Newspapers. The programme aims to shed light on Harry’s ongoing fight against the unethical conduct of tabloid media in Britain and investigates the extent of knowledge among those in charge at Fleet Street during the scandal.
Apart from his lawsuit against MGN, Prince Harry is part of a group of high-profile individuals taking legal action against the publisher of the Daily Mail, Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL). The allegations include the commissioning of unlawful activities such as placing listening devices in cars, “blagging” private records, burglaries for information, and intercepting private phone conversations. ANL has denied these allegations, and the legal proceedings are in the initial stages. Additionally, Harry has a pending claim against News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of The Sun and News of the World, focusing on unlawful information-gathering practices. This case is scheduled for a full trial in January 2025, with NGN denying any wrongdoing at The Sun.
Overall, Prince Harry’s public stance against the tabloid press and his relentless pursuit of justice highlight the ongoing battle to hold media outlets accountable for their actions. As the documentary Tabloids on Trial unfolds, it provides insight into the challenges faced by public figures like Harry when confronting powerful media organizations. The fight for ethical journalism and privacy rights continues, with individuals like Prince Harry taking a stand against invasive and unlawful practices in the media industry.
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