The court documents allege that these articles were published as part of a broader campaign of retaliation against Prince Harry for his role in exposing phone hacking and unlawful information gathering by NGN.
A High-Stakes Media Clash
Prince Harry has accused The Sun newspaper of waging a personal vendetta against him, claiming it published damaging front-page stories out of revenge. These allegations, detailed in newly disclosed court documents, suggest a deep rift between the Duke of Sussex and Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers (NGN). The explosive claims mark a fresh chapter in the ongoing battle between the media and the British royal family, with global implications for press freedom and personal privacy.
The Heart of the Dispute
At the center of this legal storm is a March 27, 2024 front-page story in The Sun, which reported that Prince Harry had been linked to a high-profile lawsuit involving US rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs. The article alleged that Harry’s name was mentioned in connection to a £24 million sex trafficking case. According to the Duke, this and other similar stories have had a “hugely negative impact” on his mental health and that of his family, forcing him to reconsider his relationship with the British monarchy and ultimately prompting his move to North America.
Claims of Retaliation and Misinformation
The court documents allege that these articles were published as part of a broader campaign of retaliation against Prince Harry for his role in exposing phone hacking and unlawful information gathering by NGN. The Duke’s legal team argues that these stories were designed to undermine his credibility, portraying him as a “traitor” and a family betrayer, further straining his relationship with the royal family.
A Costly Settlement and Legal Maneuvering
Despite the intense media coverage, the case against NGN, jointly pursued by Prince Harry and former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson, was settled in January 2025 for a reported £10 million in damages and legal costs. This settlement avoided a potentially damaging public trial but left many questions unanswered about the extent of NGN’s journalistic practices. If the case had gone to court, NGN had planned to argue that Harry’s claims were time-barred under the six-year statute of limitations.
Media Power and Personal Struggles
The leaked legal documents reveal that Prince Harry felt the relentless negative coverage had pushed him to a breaking point, contributing to his decision to step back from royal duties. The mention of the Diddy lawsuit was particularly controversial, as it linked the Duke to a sensational and highly damaging narrative without any direct evidence of wrongdoing.
Broader Implications for Royal Privacy
This case has sparked a broader conversation about media accountability, press ethics, and the balance between public interest and personal privacy. As the British press continues to scrutinize the actions of the royal family, the fallout from this legal battle could reshape the relationship between the monarchy and the media for years to come.
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