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Thursday, Jan 22, 2026
Outside the box.
Prince Harry Initiates Legal Proceedings Against Rupert Murdoch's Newspaper Group
The legal case against News Group Newspapers, which involves claims of illegal actions by journalists and private investigators, commences at the High Court in London.
Prince Harry's lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch's British newspaper group commenced at the High Court in London on Tuesday.
The Prince is taking legal action against News Group Newspapers (NGN) for alleged unlawful actions by journalists and private investigators employed by the Sun and the now-defunct News of the World from 1996 to 2011. Harry has pledged to pursue the case to reveal the truth, emphasizing his commitment to holding the press accountable, unlike others who have settled to avoid substantial legal fees.
The eight-week trial will initially address 'generic issues,' including phone hacking, unlawful information gathering, and the destruction of incriminating evidence.
It will also investigate whether NGN misled the police and gave false statements to a public inquiry on media ethics.
Specific evidence related to Harry and former Labour Party deputy leader Tom Watson will be reviewed, with Harry expected to testify for at least two days.
The prince's involvement in the trial is part of his ongoing legal battle with the British press, which began after his marriage to Meghan Markle in 2018. Despite already winning a case against Mirror Group Newspapers for phone hacking, Harry's legal team seeks to uncover more evidence of unlawful press practices.
NGN has denied all allegations concerning the Sun, and this trial will be the first to address claims against the paper.
Former prime minister Gordon Brown is anticipated to appear as a witness, while Rebekah Brooks, former editor of the Sun, will not testify.
NGN has already apologized and paid significant sums in previous phone hacking cases but denies any wrongdoing in this case.
The trial's outcome could have major implications for the media group, as it scrutinizes allegations of unlawful press activities spanning over a decade.
The Prince is taking legal action against News Group Newspapers (NGN) for alleged unlawful actions by journalists and private investigators employed by the Sun and the now-defunct News of the World from 1996 to 2011. Harry has pledged to pursue the case to reveal the truth, emphasizing his commitment to holding the press accountable, unlike others who have settled to avoid substantial legal fees.
The eight-week trial will initially address 'generic issues,' including phone hacking, unlawful information gathering, and the destruction of incriminating evidence.
It will also investigate whether NGN misled the police and gave false statements to a public inquiry on media ethics.
Specific evidence related to Harry and former Labour Party deputy leader Tom Watson will be reviewed, with Harry expected to testify for at least two days.
The prince's involvement in the trial is part of his ongoing legal battle with the British press, which began after his marriage to Meghan Markle in 2018. Despite already winning a case against Mirror Group Newspapers for phone hacking, Harry's legal team seeks to uncover more evidence of unlawful press practices.
NGN has denied all allegations concerning the Sun, and this trial will be the first to address claims against the paper.
Former prime minister Gordon Brown is anticipated to appear as a witness, while Rebekah Brooks, former editor of the Sun, will not testify.
NGN has already apologized and paid significant sums in previous phone hacking cases but denies any wrongdoing in this case.
The trial's outcome could have major implications for the media group, as it scrutinizes allegations of unlawful press activities spanning over a decade.
