Prince Harry (39) has won a partial victory in a phone hacking trial against the British media group Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN). The responsible court decided that Harry had been spied on illegally and awarded him damages amounting to the equivalent of just over 160,000 euros. In a long statement, Harry, who was not present, commented on the matter after his success.
The statement was read outside the courthouse by Harry’s lawyer David Sherbourne, according to People. “This case is not just about hacking,” the magazine quotes. It’s much more about “a systematic practice of illegal and terrible behavior.”
“The path to justice can be long and painful,” it continues. Since Harry filed the lawsuit, “defamatory stories” have been published and there have been intimidation tactics at his family’s expense. The royal speaks of “revenge journalism” and “learned in this process that patience is actually a virtue.”
Prince Harry is so committed because of his belief in the need and collective right “to a free and honest press.” Among other things, he called on the Financial Conduct Authority, the police and law enforcement agencies to “do their duty to the British public” and investigate whether they can also bring charges.
Harry described the verdict as “vindication and confirmation”. He was told that “if you kill dragons you will get burned.” However, it is a “worthwhile price” that he is willing to pay “given today’s victory and the importance of doing what is necessary for a free and honest press.” “The mission continues.”
