Prince Harry’s legal fight against Rupert Murdoch’s media group begins, aiming to expose privacy invasions by the tabloid press.
London: So, Prince Harry is really going for it in his battle against the tabloids. He’s taking on Rupert Murdoch’s newspaper group in court, and it’s a big deal. This trial is kicking off, and Harry’s been saying that the press has been invading his privacy for over 15 years. He’s determined to prove it.
The trial is set to last about ten weeks, and Harry is hoping this will finally clear his name in his long fight against News Group Newspapers. Remember, the News of the World was shut down back in 2011 after all that phone hacking drama came to light. It was a huge scandal that rocked the media world.
Since then, News Group has settled claims from around 1,300 people who said they were victims of these shady media tactics. They’ve spent a ton of money on legal fees, but they still deny any wrongdoing at The Sun, which is also part of Murdoch’s empire.
Harry’s really putting himself on the line here. If he loses, he could end up with a massive bill. In the UK, if you turn down a settlement that’s more than what you win in court, you’re stuck with all the legal costs. But for Harry, this isn’t just about money; it’s personal. He wants to shine a light on the toxic culture in British media.
The Sun is known for its celebrity gossip and has a reputation for influencing politics. Harry claims that the press has been intruding into his life since the mid-90s, especially after his mom, Princess Diana, was constantly in the spotlight. He says the media’s obsession with her led to invasions of privacy for everyone around her, including him.
He’s got a lot of evidence lined up, with over 200 articles he believes were based on illegal activities. Thirty of those will be closely examined in court. Harry’s not alone in this fight; he’s joined by Lord Tom Watson, who thinks his phone was hacked while he was investigating Murdoch’s empire.
Harry recently won a case against the Mirror Group, where phone hacking was rampant, and he got awarded some damages. Now, he’s back in court, ready to take on the big guns again. He’s also got plans for another lawsuit against the Daily Mail, teaming up with some high-profile figures.
As the trial kicks off, Harry is expected to testify himself. By summer, he’ll know if this risky move against one of the most powerful media groups in the UK will pay off. It’s a wild ride, and we’ll be watching closely to see how it all unfolds.
