London, United Kingdom. Prince Harry has emerged triumphant in a legal battle against the tabloid Daily Mirror, securing a victory that emphasizes the ongoing efforts to hold media organizations accountable for unlawful practices. The ruling, announced at London’s High Court, awarded Prince Harry £140,600 (approximately $179,500) in damages.
In a statement delivered by his lawyer outside the court, Prince Harry expressed satisfaction with the outcome, describing the decision as “vindicating and affirming.” He called upon law enforcement to initiate an investigation into the publishers of the Mirror newspaper, urging authorities to bring charges against the company and those responsible for breaking the law.
Judge Timothy Fancourt determined that Prince Harry’s personal phone had been targeted between 2003 and 2009, with 15 out of 33 sample articles resulting from phone hacking or unlawful information gathering. While Prince Harry did not attend the court proceedings in person, it was noted that he closely followed the ruling via video link.
The Mirror Group Newspapers released a statement welcoming the judgment, expressing a desire to “move forward” from historical wrongdoing. The statement included an unreserved apology, an acknowledgment of full responsibility, and confirmation of appropriate compensation being paid.
Earlier this year, Prince Harry made history by becoming the first high-ranking British royal in 130 years to testify in court. He provided evidence regarding his allegations that Mirror Group Newspapers engaged in unlawful information gathering to gather damaging information about him. The trial focused on 33 out of 148 newspaper articles submitted by Prince Harry’s legal team, spanning the period from 1996 to 2010.
In a witness statement, Prince Harry detailed the impact of the alleged illegal snooping on his life, citing a pervasive environment of distrust within his circle of friends and family. The judge’s ruling indicated that editors were aware of the extensive and habitual use of phone hacking, benefitting from the practice.
The judge also acknowledged Omid Scobie, a biographer of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as a “straightforward and reliable witness.” Scobie testified that he overheard Piers Morgan, then editor of the Daily Mirror, being informed about a story originating from voicemails.
Speaking on behalf of Prince Harry outside the High Court, lawyer David Sherborne read a statement emphasizing the significance of the victory and the ongoing mission to ensure a free and honest press. Prince Harry, known for his commitment to changing Britain’s tabloid media landscape, has two additional lawsuits against media companies currently progressing through the British courts.
In his autobiography, “Spare,” Prince Harry extensively addressed the relentless media scrutiny he faced as a child and as a member of the royal family, indicating his determination to challenge and reform the British tabloid press.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
