Prince Harry just scored an epic legal touchdown, settling his lawsuit against News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of The Sun. Spoiler alert: it cost them a cool eight-figure sum to make this saga disappear. That’s at least $12 million—enough to fund a lifetime supply of avocado toast and yoga retreats.
The case revolved around allegations that NGN turned private investigators into full-blown royal stalkers from the ‘90s to 2016. Back in 2023, things got spicy when it was confirmed this would go to trial. But instead of dragging it out, NGN decided to open their wallets and wave the white flag.
The Drama Unfolds
Harry’s lawyer, David Sherborne, came out swinging, calling this a “monumental victory.” According to him, NGN spent over a billion pounds on hush money and legal gymnastics just to keep their skeletons buried. Think of it as the world’s most expensive game of hide-and-seek.
Sherborne didn’t hold back, claiming NGN hired over 100 private investigators on 35,000 occasions. That’s right—enough snooping to fill Hogwarts with private eyes.
A Royal Roast
Lord Tom Watson, Harry’s co-claimant and former MP, chimed in with a mic-drop moment outside the courtroom. He called Harry “astonishingly brave” and urged Rupert Murdoch to issue a personal apology. As if Rupert is known for heartfelt Hallmark moments.
Watson also took a moment to drag Murdoch’s empire like a contestant on a reality show reunion special, calling for accountability and apologies for the countless victims. Your move, Rupert.
NGN’s Apology Tour
NGN issued a statement that could double as a masterclass in saying sorry without really saying sorry. They admitted to some phone hacking back in the day and claimed it was mostly private investigators—not journalists—doing the dirty work. Classic pass-the-buck strategy.
Oh, and remember The News of the World? NGN made sure to remind everyone it shut down 14 years ago, as if that wipes the slate clean. They also claimed their journalism today is squeaky clean with “strong controls” in place. Sure, Jan.
Prince Harry’s Final Word
The Duke of Sussex wasn’t here for half-measures. He called for a full-blown police investigation, Parliament intervention, and probably a dramatic Netflix series to document it all. He’s not just settling scores—he’s rewriting the rulebook.
What’s Next?
With the ink barely dry on this settlement, NGN is breathing a sigh of relief and Harry is likely planning his next move. Meanwhile, the rest of us are left marveling at how messy—and expensive—this royal showdown got.
One thing’s for sure: Prince Harry doesn’t just wear a crown; he’s coming for the throne of justice. Mic drop. 🎤
