Prince Harry recently appeared in a new documentary titled Tabloids on Trial, where he discussed his ongoing mission to expose the illegal tactics used by Britain’s tabloid press. The Duke of Sussex, currently living in the US, was joined by other high-profile individuals such as Hugh Grant, Charlotte Church, and Paul Gascoigne. This marked Harry’s first major interview since the conclusion of his court case against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) in February.
In the court case against MGN, Prince Harry was awarded £140,600 in damages after it was proven that the publications were involved in phone hacking, “blagging,” and the use of private investigators for unlawful activities. A trial found that 15 articles were a result of illegal information gathering, leading to a settlement between MGN and the Duke. Harry’s barrister, David Sherborne, emphasized the dishonesty of the Mirror and expressed the Duke’s commitment to continuing his mission for positive change.
Documentary Details
According to ITV’s press release, the documentary features Prince Harry’s first major interview post his court case with Mirror Group Newspapers. The program delves into the illegal tactics of Britain’s tabloid press and explores the awareness of those in charge at Fleet Street as the scandal unfolded. ITV News’s Rebecca Barry interviews high-profile celebrities and individuals whose lives were impacted by the invasive practices of newspapers.
Legal Battles Against Tabloid Press
Apart from the case against MGN, Prince Harry, alongside other notable figures like Sir Elton John and Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon, is involved in legal action against the publisher of the Daily Mail. The allegations include hiring private investigators for illegal activities such as placing listening devices inside cars and accessing private phone conversations. Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) has denied these claims, and the legal process is still in the early stages.
Furthermore, Harry’s claim against News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of The Sun and the now-defunct News Of The World, is scheduled for a full trial in January 2025. This case revolves around alleged unlawful information-gathering, excluding phone hacking allegations. NGN has previously denied any wrongful conduct at The Sun, setting the stage for a legal showdown in the future.
Prince Harry’s fight against the illegal tactics of Britain’s tabloid press sheds light on the importance of media ethics and the need for accountability in journalism. His relentless pursuit of justice and transparency serves as a reminder of the power individuals have to challenge established norms and hold powerful institutions accountable for their actions. The documentary Tabloids on Trial serves as a platform for voices like Harry’s to be heard and for the public to question the practices of the press in the pursuit of truth and justice.
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