Prince Harry confronts Murdoch's empire over shocking unlawful actions

In London, Prince Harry is set to face a four-day questioning by lawyers from News Group Newspapers (NGN) as part of a lawsuit concerning alleged unlawful activities carried out by journalists and private investigators from 1996 to 2011. The trial is scheduled to begin next month, and this high-profile case follows the revelations about the practices utilized by media companies in obtaining sensitive information. Harry's legal battle will be conducted alongside that of Tom Watson, former Labour Party deputy leader, after more than 40 other claimants reached settlements. Harry’s attorney, David Sherborne, asserts that while four days for cross-examination is excessive, the Prince is prepared to present his case. The NGN lawyer, Anthony Hudson, argued that thorough questioning is essential, particularly regarding the timeline of when Harry became aware of possible legal grounds for his claims. This aspect is crucial since the defense contends that Harry's lawsuit is time-barred, meaning it was filed too late for the court to consider. The trial will not only address the specific allegations brought forth by Harry and Watson but will also include broader accusations suggesting that staff members, including editors from NGN, engaged in wrongdoing. Notably, despite the serious nature of these claims, NGN has consistently denied any violation of laws by its employees at the Sun newspaper. The trial's outcome could potentially reshape the accountability and operational tactics of major media outlets, particularly in the context of privacy violations. This lawsuit represents Harry's second appearance in a witness box at the High Court, having been the first British royal to do so in almost 130 years during a prior case against Mirror Group Newspapers. Following the successful outcome of that case, in which he was awarded substantial damages for phone tapping actions perpetrated by the news group, the Duke of Sussex aims to continue seeking truth and justice in this case against NGN. Additionally, he is pursuing a separate lawsuit against Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Daily Mail, alongside several other high-profile individuals, including Elton John, further indicating a pattern of addressing unlawful media practices. The upcoming trial and its revelations might push arguments about media ethics into the forefront of public discourse, especially regarding the balance of journalistic freedom and personal privacy.