Prince Harry wins his lawsuit against a British tabloid for hacking his phone

Five long years ago, The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, filed a lawsuit in a London court against the Mirror Group Newspapers [MGN] who manage such popular British tabloids as the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror, and The Sunday People for hacking his phone over 15 years and unlawfully accessing information via private detectives to humiliate him and violate his privacy, splashing it all over the headlines.

Now, Prince Harry is vindicated, as the High Court sided with Harry. In his ruling on Friday, Justice Fancourt stated that 15 of 33 articles at the centre of Harry's claim "were the product of phone hacking of his mobile phone or the mobile phones of his associates, or the product of other unlawful information-gathering."

Justice Fancourt continued, “I consider that his phone was only hacked to a modest extent and that this was probably carefully controlled by certain people at each newspaper." The court has awarded the Duke £140,600 or about $240,430 in Canadian dollars.

Prince Harry, who was not in court for the ruling due to short notice, had his statement read by his attorney David Sherbourne.

He said, in part, “This case is not just about hacking. It is about a systemic practice of unlawful and appalling behaviour, followed by cover-ups and destruction of evidence, the shocking scale of which can only be revealed through these proceedings.”

“The journey to justice can be a slow and painful one and since bringing my claim almost five years ago defamatory stories and intimidating tactics have been deployed against me and at my family’s expense. And so, as I too have learnt through this process, patience is, in fact, a virtue. Especially, in the face of vendetta journalism," he added

“My commitment to seeing this case through is based on my belief in our need — and collective right - to a free and honest press. And one which is properly accountable when necessary. That is what we need in Britain and across the globe. Anything else is poisoning the well for a profession we all depend on.

“The acts listed in the judgment are prime examples of what happens when the power of the press is abused. I respectfully call upon the authorities, the financial regulator, the Stock Market, who were deliberately deceived by Mirror Group, and, indeed, the Metropolitan Police and prosecuting authorities, to do their duty for the British public and to investigate bringing charges against the company and those who have broken the law.

“Today’s ruling is vindicating and affirming. I’ve been told that slaying dragons will get you burned but in light of today’s victory and the importance of doing what is needed for a free and honest press, it is a worthwhile price to pay. The mission continues.”

Following Friday's ruling, a Mirror Group Newspapers spokesperson said: "We welcome today's judgment that gives the business the necessary clarity to move forward from events that took place many years ago."

"Where historical wrongdoing took place, we apologise unreservedly, have taken full responsibility and paid appropriate compensation," the statement continued.