Prince Harry has been awarded damages after winning his phone hacking case against a British tabloid.
A high court judge awarded the Duke of Sussex £140,600 ($178,500 US) in damages on Friday, ruling that Mirror Group Newspapers engaged in phone hacking and other unlawful media practices.
The Washington Post reports the judge, Timothy Fancourt, found that Harry’s personal phone was targeted to a modest extent between 2003 and 2009, with 15 out of 33 sample news articles resulting from hacking or illegal information gathering.
This case, chosen as one of four tests, will help set the standard for damages in similar claims. Outside the court, Harry’s lawyer read a statement where the prince expressed the ruling as “vindicating and affirming.”
Harry called on authorities to investigate and bring charges against the company and those who broke the law.
Mirror Group Newspapers welcomed the judgment, expressing a desire to move forward from historical wrongdoing.
They apologised unreservedly, took responsibility, and paid appropriate compensation. Harry, who testified in June, accused the newspapers of using unlawful methods to dig up information about him, fostering an environment of distrust within his circle.
The judge ruled that editors were aware of the extensive use of phone hacking, stating that there was compelling evidence they knew and benefited from it.
Piers Morgan, a high-profile media figure and former editor of the Daily Mirror, was implicated, with the judge saying there can be no doubt that Morgan knew about the use of voicemail hacking for stories. Morgan denied involvement, reiterating that he never hacked a phone.
Outside the High Court, Harry’s lawyer read a statement on behalf of the prince, emphasising the importance of a free and honest press. Harry, on a quest to change Britain’s tabloid media, has two other lawsuits against media companies in progress in British courts.
Meanwhile, in a festive gesture, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex unveiled their 2023 Christmas holiday card through a joyful virtual greeting sent via email on behalf of their Archewell organisation.
Meghan, 42, and Harry, 39, handpicked a vibrant photo from the closing ceremony of the 2023 Invictus Games, held in September in Düsseldorf, Germany.
The card carries warm wishes, stating, “We extend our heartfelt wishes for a joyous holiday season. Thank you for your unwavering support in 2023!” It includes a link to the couple’s annual Archewell Foundation impact report, complete with a video showcasing some of the notable initiatives they undertook throughout the past year.
