Prince Harry has spoken out about the impact of his legal battle against the tabloid press on his relationship with the Royal Family, revealing that it has been a “central piece” behind the breakdown. In a new ITV documentary, the Duke of Sussex expressed his feelings of vindication after a High Court judge ruled that Mirror Group Newspapers had unlawfully gathered information for stories about him, resulting in him being awarded hundreds of thousands of pounds in damages.
The prince, who became the first British royal in 130 years to give evidence in court, shared his belief that his decision to fight against media intrusion has caused a rift with his family. He and his wife, Meghan, stepped back as senior royals in 2020 due to their struggles under the media spotlight.
Prince Harry also raised concerns about the treatment of his late mother, Princess Diana, suggesting that she may have been a victim of phone hacking. He highlighted the impact of false headlines, such as one claiming his then-girlfriend was preparing to break up with him, on his mental health and trust in those around him.
The interview is set to air in the ITV documentary “Tabloids on Trial,” which features other famous faces sharing their experiences with the press. In response to the documentary, an MGN spokesperson acknowledged historical wrongdoing and apologized for any harm caused.
The prince’s legal battles against other media outlets, including Associated Newspapers and News Group Newspapers, are ongoing. The documentary sheds light on the challenges faced by public figures in dealing with media intrusion and the importance of holding tabloid press accountable for their actions.
