Prince Harry takes legal action against News Group Newspapers

Prince Harry has brought a legal claim against News Group Newspapers (NGN), owned by Rupert Murdoch, alleging that his voicemails were illegally intercepted over a number of years.

At the High Court, Harry disclosed that his brother, Prince William, had previously settled a similar claim against NGN in 2020.

Harry’s own claim, which he has brought alongside actor Hugh Grant, remains live and will proceed to trial.

During the court hearing, Harry revealed his objections to tabloid journalists attending his 2018 wedding at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, citing his wife Meghan’s experience of abuse at the hands of the press.

Harry has demanded a resolution to his phone hacking claims and a formal apology from Murdoch before tabloid journalists are allowed anywhere near any event he hosts.

The Duke’s statement in court also included references to a “secret agreement” that he alleges was struck between NGN and the Royal Family in 2012, preventing him from pursuing a legal claim.

NGN has denied any illegal activity on The Sun newspaper but has made a number of apologies and agreed to damages payouts for a wide range of celebrities and public figures.

Harry has expressed his frustration at the British media, accusing them of publishing false stories and hounding him and his girlfriends.

In his statement, Harry explained that the tabloid press moulds each member of the Royal Family into a specific role and tries to encourage them to act in a way that will sell newspapers.

He claimed that he felt compelled to play up to negative headlines and stereotypes as a teenager and in his early twenties.

The NGN hearing, during which the company will argue that the legal claims by Harry and Grant are out of time, continues.