Prince Harry has vowed to persist in his legal battle against Rupert Murdoch’s British tabloids, emphasizing that his lawsuit is about ensuring accountability and protecting the integrity of journalism. Speaking at The New York Times’s DealBook Summit, the Duke of Sussex expressed his belief that unethical behavior by certain journalists undermines trust in the profession as a whole.
Harry’s case, which focuses on allegations of phone hacking, is set to go to court next month in London. Once part of a larger group of 40 claimants, he now stands alongside just one other individual, as many plaintiffs have chosen to settle their claims. Despite the dwindling numbers, Harry remains resolute, citing his responsibility to pursue justice for himself and the 1,300 others who have been affected.
“The goal is accountability,” Harry stated. “I’ll be damned if those journalists are going to ruin journalism for everyone because we depend on it so much.”
Highlighting the broader implications of his case, Harry compared the misconduct of tabloid journalists to the work of principled reporters like Nobel laureate Maria Ressa, who risk their lives to report the truth in oppressive regimes and conflict zones. He argued that such unethical practices tarnish journalism’s vital role in society.
While acknowledging the financial strain of the lawsuit, with legal costs likely surpassing any potential settlement, Harry underscored the importance of pressing forward. He also hinted at the need for increased regulation and accountability in social media, which he criticized for spreading misinformation without adequate transparency.
Despite the seriousness of the discussion, Harry brought moments of levity to his remarks, joking that the conversation felt like “group therapy.” He also spoke about the personal toll of media scrutiny on his family, alluding to their 2020 decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to the United States.
Harry declined to delve into the specifics of his phone-hacking case or address other controversies, such as his loss of police security in Britain. However, his determination to hold tabloid media accountable remains clear as he continues his lone fight against one of the world’s most powerful media empires.