‘extensive’ phone hacking: Court
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The Duke of Sussex was awarded £140,600 on Friday after the UK High Court ruled he was the subject of “extensive” phone hacking by Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) from 2006 to 2011. Justice Fancourt ruled that 15 stories published about Prince Harry by MGN used unlawful information gathering methods such as hacking of voicemail messages and the use of private investigators. 33 articles had been submitted for consideration, but the judge ruled “phone hacking was not the only journalistic tool at the time, and his claims in relation to the other 18 articles did not stand up to careful analysis.
The Duke of Sussex sued the British newspaper group, which publishes The Daily Mirror, The Sunday Mirror and Sunday People, alongside three other claimants and alleged its journalists illegally intercepted his voicemails and used other illicit means over a roughly 15-year period.
Prince Harry described his win against MGN as “a great day for truth, as well as accountability.”
“The court has ruled that unlawful and criminal activities were carried out at all three of Mirror Group’s newspaper titles on a habitual and widespread basis for more than a decade,” the 39-year-old royal said.
Prince Harry urged the financial regulator, the Metropolitan Police and prosecuting authorities to “do their duty for the British public and investigate bringing charges against the company and those who have broken the law.”
He also called for a “free and honest press,” in Great Britain and globally, saying that “anything else is poisoning the well of a profession we all depend on.” He added: “Today’s ruling is vindicating and affirming. 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. The mission continues.”
The prince became the first senior member of the British royal family to give evidence on a witness stand in more than 130 years, when he appeared in court back in June.