Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is set to provide testimony in a phone hacking case scheduled for June. The case involves allegations of illegal phone hacking by the British tabloid newspaper, The Sun, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers.
The phone hacking scandal first came to light in 2011 when it was revealed that journalists at the now-defunct News of the World had hacked into the phones of celebrities, politicians, and crime victims. The scandal led to the closure of the newspaper and the arrest and conviction of several journalists.
The case involving Prince Harry centers around allegations that The Sun hacked into his voicemail messages in 2005. The prince was serving in the British army at the time and was reportedly receiving messages from his then-girlfriend, Chelsy Davy.
The allegations were first made in 2019 by a former reporter for The Sun, who claimed that he had been instructed to hack into Prince Harry’s phone. The reporter, Clive Goodman, was one of several journalists who were jailed in 2007 for their role in the News of the World phone hacking scandal.
Prince Harry’s testimony is expected to shed light on the extent of the phone hacking and the impact it had on his personal life. The prince has been a vocal critic of the media and has spoken out about the harassment and intrusion he has faced from the press.
The case is part of a wider investigation into phone hacking by News Group Newspapers, which has already paid out millions of pounds in compensation to victims. The company has also faced criticism for its handling of the scandal and its failure to take responsibility for the actions of its journalists.
The phone hacking scandal has had far-reaching consequences for the media industry in the UK, leading to greater scrutiny of press ethics and regulation. It has also highlighted the need for greater protection for individuals’ privacy and personal data.
Prince Harry’s testimony in the upcoming case is likely to be closely watched by the media and the public, as it could provide further insight into the practices of tabloid newspapers and their treatment of public figures. It may also serve as a reminder of the importance of responsible journalism and the need for greater accountability in the media industry.
