On January 21, 2025, the start of Prince Harry’s trial against Rupert Murdoch’s newspapers was delayed due to last-minute settlement talks. The Duke of Sussex is pursuing claims against the publisher of The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World for alleged unlawful snooping into his life.
- Prince Harry's trial against tabloids delayed.
- Settlement talks complicate legal proceedings.
- Harry remains committed to accountability.
- Family tensions arise from media litigation.
- Allegations include unlawful snooping tactics.
- Trial expected to last ten weeks.
This trial is significant as it represents one of the few remaining cases against News Group Newspapers, with Harry being one of only two claimants not to have settled among hundreds who have done so since the phone hacking scandal emerged in 2011.
The ongoing legal battle stems from allegations that News Group journalists and private investigators engaged in unlawful tactics to gather information on Prince Harry and others between 1996 and 2011. The trial was originally set to begin on January 21 but was postponed after both parties indicated they would appeal a judge’s refusal to delay proceedings further. This case is particularly noteworthy as it is the closest to trial among over 1,300 claims linked to the phone hacking scandal that led to the closure of the News of the World in 2011.
Harry’s claims include accusations that the newspapers used deception to obtain sensitive information, such as medical and flight records, and that executives concealed these actions. The allegations have been strongly denied by News Group, which also contends that Harry’s lawsuit was filed beyond the legal time limit. The trial is expected to last around ten weeks, and Harry will likely take the witness stand again, following his testimony in a previous case against the Daily Mirror.
This legal confrontation has also created tensions within Harry’s family. He has indicated that his litigation efforts have contributed to a rift, particularly with his father, King Charles III, and brother, Prince William. Harry expressed regret that his family did not support him in standing against media misconduct, emphasizing that his motivations are rooted in accountability.
The delay in the trial highlights the complexities surrounding high-profile legal disputes, particularly those involving public figures. As Prince Harry continues his pursuit of justice against the tabloids, the outcome may have significant implications for both his personal life and the broader media landscape.
