Prince Harry secures a historic legal victory against Daily Mirror, as the High Court rules his phone was hacked by Mirror Group journalists and investigators. Justice Timothy Fancourt finds “widespread and habitual” phone hacking, implicating Mirror Group executives in covering up these activities. The court orders Mirror Group to pay Prince Harry £140,000 ($180,000) for 15 instances of unlawful information gathering in 33 examined articles.

More money likely

He is likely to get more money. The Court found Mirror liable for roughly 46% of the articles examined so far (15/33) and he got $ 180,000 or per article,$12,000.

There are 148 remaining. Let’s assume 46% of those are compensable or 67 of them so he can get 67 X $12,000 or $799,200.00 in compensation.

In response, Prince Harry calls the ruling “vindicating and affirming,” emphasizing the importance of a free and honest press. The judge criticizes Mirror Group for turning a blind eye and concealing illegal activities, extending the misuse of private information. Media analysts anticipate potential repercussions for British tabloids and stress the ruling’s significance for press standards.

Justice Fancourt mentions Piers Morgan, former editor of Daily Mirror, indicating his knowledge of the hacking practice during his tenure. Mirror Group’s parent company, Reach, issues an unreserved apology, takes responsibility, and expresses a commitment to moving forward.

The ruling is seen as a landmark victory for privacy rights, setting a precedent for individuals seeking accountability for past press misconduct. Prince Harry’s ongoing legal battles, involving three lawsuits against tabloids, reflect his commitment to media reform. The judgment may influence other ongoing hacking claims against media organizations.

Phone hacking by British newspapers, dating back over two decades, involved unethical methods to intercept voicemails of royals, celebrities, and public figures. The judgment may inspire others with private information exposed by questionable sources to bring claims against newspapers. Media organizations facing lawsuits worry that the ruling will strengthen Harry’s determination and may implicate individuals in other groups.

Mirror Group Newspapers previously paid over £100 million in phone hacking lawsuits, stemming from the 2011 News of the World scandal. Prince Harry’s case is not fully resolved, with the possibility of additional compensation for the remaining 115 articles not examined in this trial. The trial serves as a test case against Mirror Group, influencing the outcomes of similar hacking claims by other public figures. The ruling underscores the courts’ willingness to hold accountable those involved in the “dark arts” of press misconduct, contributing to potential media reform.