Piers Morgan has criticized Prince Harry following his recent settlement in the legal case against News Group Newspapers (NGN),
the publisher of *The Sun*, accusing him of hypocrisy.
The Duke of Sussex had previously vowed not to settle his High Court claim, stating he was determined to hold the publishers of *The Sun*
and the now-defunct *News of the World* accountable for allegations of unlawful information-gathering.
However, on Wednesday, it was announced that Harry had reached a settlement with NGN just before the trial was set to begin, leading Morgan to call out the prince on social media.
Morgan, who has long been vocal about his views on Prince Harry, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his outrage.
He posted: “So ‘moral crusader’ Prince Harry took the cash… will he now be issuing a ‘full and unequivocal’ apology to the Royal Family for his own serious intrusion into their lives for personal financial gain?” Morgan went on to ask, “Or is royal intrusion absolutely fine when HE does it? What a hypocrite…” His comments reflect the frustration many feel about Harry’s changing stance on the matter, especially after he had previously made it clear that he would not settle his claims.
The legal case stems from allegations that NGN was involved in illegal activities, such as phone hacking and unlawful surveillance, between 1996 and 2011. These accusations have long been a point of contention for Prince Harry, particularly as they relate to his own privacy and that of his late mother, Princess Diana. In fact, one of the key elements of the legal proceedings was the alleged involvement of private investigators who worked for *The Sun* and *News of the World* in violating his privacy.
On the day the settlement was confirmed, Harry’s lawyer, David Sherborne, issued a statement announcing that NGN had not only apologized but would also pay “substantial damages” to the Duke. Sherborne described the settlement as a “monumental victory” and praised the outcome, stating that NGN was finally being held accountable for its illegal actions. The statement from NGN also included an apology, acknowledging the “serious intrusion” into Harry’s private life, as well as the coverage of his mother’s death, which had a profound impact on him.
While the settlement marks a significant legal victory for Harry, it has also sparked criticism. Morgan’s comments are just one example of the backlash Prince Harry has faced since the settlement was reached. Many feel that, given his vocal criticism of the press, Harry’s decision to accept the settlement reflects a contradiction between his public stance and personal actions. He had previously insisted that he would see the case through to trial, believing it was important to achieve accountability for the intrusive practices of the tabloid press.
Harry’s legal victory against NGN follows similar settlements by other high-profile figures, including actor Hugh Grant and former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson. Like Harry, these individuals had sued NGN for unlawful newsgathering, and many have praised Harry’s courage in pursuing justice. Tom Watson, in particular, commended Harry for his “bravery and astonishing courage,” noting that his actions had brought accountability to a part of the media once believed to be untouchable.
Despite the praise, however, Harry’s decision to settle has raised questions about his motivations. Some commentators suggest that the financial settlement, which could amount to a significant sum, may have been the key factor in his change of heart. Harry had previously expressed his determination to go to trial, but the risk of a potentially massive legal bill may have played a role in the decision to settle. David Sherborne had acknowledged the financial pressures that could force plaintiffs like Harry, Sienna Miller, and Hugh Grant to accept settlements, even if they were initially committed to going to court.
In the months leading up to the settlement, Harry had reiterated his intention to achieve accountability. At the New York Times DealBook Summit in December, he had stated, “One of the main reasons for seeing this through is accountability because I’m the last person that can actually achieve that.” However, the settlement now raises doubts about whether Harry truly intended to see the case through, or if financial considerations played a larger role in his decision.
As Prince Harry continues to navigate the complex world of media and legal battles, his recent settlement serves as yet another chapter in his ongoing struggle for privacy and justice. While he has achieved a legal victory, the public’s perception of his actions may remain divided, with some seeing it as a triumph and others as a betrayal of his initial principles. With the legal case behind him, it remains to be seen how this will impact his relationship with the media and his family in the future.
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