Prince Harry's Phone Was Hacked by U.K. Tabloid, Judge Rules in Landmark Case
A London court ruled that Prince Harry was a victim of phone hacking by a British tabloid publisher, marking a significant win for the royal and a blow to tabloid press in the country.
Prince Harry Victorious in Lawsuit Against Tabloid Publisher
A London court ruled on Friday in favor of Prince Harry in his lawsuit against Mirror Group Newspapers, a British tabloid publisher. This decision marks a major victory for the royal in his long-running battle against media intrusion into his life. The judge found sufficient evidence that the publication had engaged in unlawful information gathering, including phone hacking, in its coverage of Prince Harry and other plaintiffs.
According to the ruling, 15 out of 33 articles presented by Prince Harry's lawyers as evidence of phone hacking had been unlawfully obtained by journalists. As a result, the royal was awarded £140,600 in damages. The judge determined that Prince Harry's personal phone was likely targeted between 2004 and 2009.
Implications for Tabloid Press and Royal Family Dynamics
The ruling could have far-reaching implications for Britain's tabloid newspapers, who may face increased calls for accountability. Prince Harry's battle against the British media has often contrasted the traditionally reserved approach of the royal family. This decision comes at a time of deepening rift within the royal household regarding how to handle the press.
Prince Harry, who took the stand during the trial, was the first senior member of the royal family to do so since the 19th century. The ruling seems to vindicate his decision to take legal action against tabloid intrusion. In a statement given by his lawyer, Prince Harry expressed the importance of a free and honest press despite the risks involved.
Breaching Privacy and Unlawful Information Gathering
The lawsuit brought by Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, is part of their ongoing efforts to protect their privacy rights. Prince Harry alleged that journalists from Mirror Group Newspapers had targeted him and individuals in his inner circle by hacking into their phones and engaging in other unlawful methods. The majority of the actions outlined in the case occurred from 1991 to 2011, when Prince Harry was third in line to the British throne.
During the trial, Prince Harry provided over seven hours of testimony, offering insight into the distressing personal details published by the tabloids. While concrete evidence of phone hacking was not presented, the judge determined that there was sufficient evidence to link the tabloids' articles to illegal information gathering methods.
