On October 1, 2021, Prince Harry testified in the phone hacking case at the High Court in London. The case involves allegations of illegal phone hacking by the British tabloid newspaper, The Sun, which is owned by News Group Newspapers (NGN). The case is being brought by Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, who is suing NGN for breach of privacy and copyright infringement.
Prince Harry’s testimony was given via video link from his home in California, where he currently resides with his wife and children. During his testimony, he spoke about the impact that the phone hacking had on his life and the lives of those around him. He described how he felt “violated” and “angry” when he learned that his phone had been hacked, and how it made him feel like he couldn’t trust anyone.
Prince Harry also spoke about the impact that the media scrutiny has had on his mental health. He described how he has been “bullied” by the media since he was a child, and how it has affected his mental health over the years. He stated that he has been in therapy for the past four years to deal with the trauma caused by the media attention.
The phone hacking scandal has been ongoing for several years, with many high-profile individuals coming forward to testify about their experiences. The scandal first came to light in 2011 when it was revealed that journalists at The News of the World, another tabloid owned by NGN, had been hacking into the phones of celebrities, politicians, and crime victims.
Since then, several other newspapers owned by NGN have been implicated in the scandal, including The Sun. The scandal has led to the closure of The News of the World and several high-profile arrests and convictions.
The case brought by Meghan Markle is just one of many lawsuits that have been filed against NGN in relation to the phone hacking scandal. Other high-profile individuals who have sued the company include actor Hugh Grant, footballer Wayne Rooney, and singer Sir Elton John.
The phone hacking scandal has highlighted the need for greater regulation of the media in the UK. In 2012, the Leveson Inquiry was established to investigate the culture, practices, and ethics of the British press. The inquiry made several recommendations for reform, including the establishment of an independent press regulator.
However, many of the recommendations have yet to be implemented, and the phone hacking scandal continues to cast a shadow over the British media. The ongoing legal battles and testimony from high-profile individuals like Prince Harry serve as a reminder of the damage that can be caused by unethical journalism practices.
In conclusion, Prince Harry’s testimony in the phone hacking case at the High Court highlights the ongoing impact of the scandal on those affected. The case serves as a reminder of the need for greater regulation of the media and the importance of ethical journalism practices. It is hoped that the outcome of the case will bring some closure to those affected and lead to greater accountability for those responsible.
