February 4, 2025
Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers (NGN) has officially settled a lawsuit with Prince Harry regarding unlawful information gathering. The case, which covered incidents between 1996 and 2011, accused NGN of illegally accessing private details about the prince. The High Court in London witnessed unexpected delays before the settlement was announced, marking another chapter in the long-standing legal battle between the British royal and the media giant.
This settlement is part of a larger trend of legal troubles for Murdoch’s media empire. Over the years, NGN has paid out more than $1 billion in settlements to resolve claims related to illegal activities, such as phone hacking. High-profile figures, including Prince Harry and actor Hugh Grant, have fought lengthy battles to seek justice, but court-approved settlements often prevent full disclosure of wrongdoing.
Despite facing continuous legal scrutiny, Murdoch’s influence in global media and politics remains strong. Even after stepping down as chairman of Fox Corporation and News Corp in September 2023, he continues to wield significant power. His son, Lachlan Murdoch, now leads the empire, but controversies surrounding media ethics and privacy breaches persist.
The settlement with Prince Harry highlights the ongoing concerns over press intrusion and the legal challenges that victims face in holding media organizations accountable. This case serves as a reminder of the need for stronger privacy protections and media ethics reforms in the digital age.