Prince Harry Describes Winning Tabloid Suit as "Slaying Dragons"

Article by Erin Vanderhoof

Prince Harry emerged victorious in an important legal battle against British tabloids last Friday. High Court justice Timothy Fancourt supported Harry, along with other plaintiffs, in his case against the Mirror Group Newspapers concerning the use of old news-collecting methods. Harry was awarded 140,600 British pounds. More significant to Harry than the financial compensation might have been the court's acknowledgment of his efforts to highlight phone-hacking in the UK. Fancourt concluded that 15 MGN newspaper articles contained information pulled from voicemail intercepts or illegal data collection. He also noted that MGN hid these techniques from both the House of Commons and the 2011 Leveson Inquiry into the practice.

Harry wasn't able to read his statement following the verdict due to the short notice, but his lawyer David Sherborne was available to read out the prince's feelings. According to the People, Harry sees this judgment as just the beginning. He expressed his commitment to promoting a free and honest press, undeterred by potential backlash. He announced, "The mission continues."

The Mirror Group Newspaper released a statement in reaction to the ruling, highlighting the historical aspect of the case and expressing resolve to learn from past mistakes. The spokesperson apologized unequivocally for the historical wrongdoings and confirmed the payment of appropriate compensation.

Prince Harry attended the trial leading to the ruling during the last Spring, making him the first high-profile royal to testify in court in over 100 years. His testimony shed light on the damaging influence of tabloids on his early personal life and relationships.

In his account, Harry pointed out that the case was about much more than just hacking. He described a system of unlawful behavior, cover-ups, and destruction of evidence on a scale that could only be revealed through court proceedings. He further revealed the toll that the suit, initiated in October 2019, and the associated defamatory stories and intimidation tactics, had taken on him and his family. Despite the challenges, Harry expressed resolve and patience in pursuing justice.

He expressed hope that the verdict would lead to a change in the state of the press in the UK and globally. He asserted the importance of a free, honest, and accountable press.

Piers Morgan, the former editor of the Daily Mirror, also reacted to the verdict while affirmatively denying any involvement with phone hacking during his tenure. Since he hadn't been called as a witness, he said he was unable to address the numerous allegations coming from his old adversaries during the trial.

Morgan also criticized Harry for condemning press intrusion while himself contributing to it. He accused Harry of criticizing the press while simultaneously profiting from public criticism of his family.

This latest ruling followed closely on the heels of Harry's ongoing legal issues in the UK. He is currently suing the UK Home Office for its 2020 decision to withdraw his armed protection in the country. In a separate libel case against Associated Newspapers, publishers of the Mail on Sunday, he has been ordered to pay 48,000 British pounds in legal fees after losing a portion of the libel fight.