The Duke of Sussex accepts a settlement from News Group Newspapers, raising questions about his anti-media campaign
Los Angeles: So, Harry’s been on this big mission against the media, right? He really went all in, risking his family ties and reputation to take on Rupert Murdoch’s media empire. But guess what? He just accepted a big payout from The Sun, which many see as a major backtrack.
It’s kind of wild because he was all set to testify in court, and he seemed really pumped about it. Just last month, he was adamant about not settling, claiming he was fighting for those who couldn’t afford to do the same. He even said he was the last hope for accountability.
But now, after some intense negotiations, he’s taken a settlement and an apology from News Group Newspapers. His lawyer called it a “monumental victory,” but it feels a bit hollow since they didn’t admit any wrongdoing by the journalists involved.
One thing that really got to him was the apology regarding his late mother, Diana. He’s been carrying that weight for years, wanting to make things right for her. It’s a big deal for him, and you can see why he pushed for it.
He started this whole legal battle back in 2019, and it shook things up in the royal family and the media world. It was a risky move, and the costs have been astronomical. The judge even urged both sides to wrap things up because it was taking up way too much court time.
Harry’s been through a lot with this case. He found out he might have been targeted by journalists back in 2006 when a voicemail of his was leaked. He claims he couldn’t act until 2019 due to some secret agreement between the palace and the media. Sounds like a plot twist, right?
He’s been pretty vocal about how the press needs to be held accountable, saying it’s crucial for democracy. But now, with this settlement, it feels like he’s stepping back from that fight. It’s a mixed bag for him, for sure.
In the end, he’s not alone in this. Many others have settled with NGN, and it seems like the pressure to avoid massive legal bills is pushing people to take the money and run. It’s a tough game, and Harry’s just one player in a much bigger story.