Prince Harry has emerged victorious in his phone hacking case against the Daily Mirror, with the judge ruling extensive phone hacking by Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) from 2006 to 2011. The judge found that the unlawful information gathering was “widespread” across all three Mirror Group titles and occurred even during the Leveson inquiry into media standards. The court ruled that Piers Morgan, former editor of the Mirror, and other senior executives were aware of the practice.
The judge awarded Prince Harry £140,600 in damages, stating that 15 out of 33 articles related to him were the product of phone hacking or unlawful information gathering. In a dramatic day at the high court, Prince Harry hailed it as a “great day for truth” and called for UK authorities to investigate and bring charges against the company and those responsible for breaking the law. Piers Morgan vehemently denied knowledge of phone hacking during his tenure as editor and criticized Prince Harry, suggesting he wouldn’t know the truth. The judgment marks a significant moment for British media, highlighting past unlawful practices and prompting apologies and compensation.
The case underscores the ongoing challenges and consequences associated with illegal news gathering practices within the media industry. Prince Harry’s victory is part of a wider litigation involving more than 100 claimants, including celebrities like Cheryl and the estate of George Michael. The ruling addresses the systemic practice of unlawful behavior, cover-ups, and destruction of evidence within the Mirror Group. As the judge awards damages to Prince Harry, the case sets a precedent for accountability and truth in media practices. The broader implications of the judgment may lead to increased scrutiny and changes in media ethics and practices in the UK.
