The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
London, UK | THE INDEPENDENT | Prince Harry has accepted an apology from the publisher of the Sun, News Group Newspapers (NGN), for intrusion into his private life – alongside currently undisclosed but “substantial” damages. He has now settled his high court legal action against the publisher.
The case, brought by Harry and former Labour deputy leader Lord Tom Watson, accused News Group Newspapers (NGN), which owns The Sun and previously published the now-defunct News of the World, of using journalists and private investigators to obtain personal information unlawfully between 1996 and 2011
THE APOLOGY:
NGN offers a full and unequivocal apology to the Duke of Sussex for the serious intrusion by the Sun between 1996 and 2011 into his private life, including incidents of unlawful activities carried out by private investigators working for the Sun.
NGN also offers a full and unequivocal apology to the Duke of Sussex for the phone hacking, surveillance and misuse of private information by journalists and private investigators instructed by them at the News of the World.
NGN further apologises to the Duke for the impact on him of the extensive coverage and serious intrusion into his private life as well as the private life of Diana, Princess of Wales, his late mother, in particular during his younger years. We acknowledge and apologise for the distress caused to the Duke, and the damage inflicted on relationships, friendships and family, and have agreed to pay him substantial damages.
It is also acknowledged, without any admission of illegality, that NGN’s response to the 2006 arrests and subsequent actions were regrettable.
NGN also offers a full and unequivocal apology to Lord Watson for the unwarranted intrusion carried out into his private life during his time in government by the News of the World during the period 2009- 2011.
This includes him being placed under surveillance in 2009 by journalists at the News of the World and those instructed by them. NGN also acknowledges and apologises for the adverse impact this had on Lord Watson’s family and has agreed to pay him substantial damages.
In addition, in 2011 News International received information that information was being passed covertly to Lord Watson from within News International. We now understand that this information was false, and Lord Watson was not in receipt of any such confidential information.
NGN apologises fully and unequivocally for this.
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Soon after, Tom Watson made a statement and praised Prince Harry.
“I once said that the big beasts of the tabloid jungle have no predators. I was wrong. They have Prince Harry. His bravery and astonishing courage have brought accountability to a part of the media world that thought it was untouchable. I am sure I speak on behalf of the thousands of victims when I say we are grateful to him for his unwavering support and his determination under extraordinary pressure.”
Tom Watson reads his statement and praises Prince Harry.
“I once said that the big beasts of the tabloid jungle have no predators. I was wrong. They have Prince Harry. His bravery and astonishing courage have brought accountability to a part of the media world that thought it… pic.twitter.com/v795V82ZHN
— Glow Lee (@GlowanneLee) January 22, 2025
