In a candid new interview, Prince Harry has revealed that his protracted legal battles with British tabloids have been a significant factor in the ongoing rift with his family. The Duke of Sussex, who has been at odds with the royal family since stepping back from royal duties and moving to the United States, shared his insights in an ITV documentary titled "Tabloids on Trial."
"I think that's certainly a central piece to it," Harry told ITV's Rebecca Barry. The documentary delves into the 2011 phone hacking scandal and the multiple lawsuits Harry has filed against British publishers in recent years. "But that's a hard question to answer because anything I say about my family results in a torrent of abuse from the press," he added.
The hour-long documentary highlights the impact of Harry's legal struggles on his relationship with the royal family. The prince expressed frustration at the lack of support from his family in these battles, stating, "I've made it very clear that this is something that needs to be done, it would be nice if we did it as a family."
Harry's dissatisfaction with the royal family's stance is evident. "I believe that from a service standpoint and when you're in a public role, these are the things that we should be doing for the greater good. I'm doing this for my reasons," he said. Despite the rift, Harry remains committed to his mission, acknowledging, "For me, the mission continues, but yes, it's caused part of a rift."
The Duke of Sussex's legal actions against the tabloids have garnered significant attention. In December 2023, London's High Court awarded Harry $180,700 after ruling he had been a victim of "modest" phone hacking and unlawful information gathering by journalists on British newspapers. Harry, who became the first senior British royal in 130 years to give evidence in court, had sued Mirror Group Newspapers, the publisher of the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror, and Sunday People, claiming he was targeted for 15 years from 1996.
Harry's ongoing legal battles extend beyond the Mirror Group. Last month, he was accused of "deliberately destroying" potential evidence in his phone hacking claim against the publisher of The Sun. Attorney Anthony Hudson, representing the publisher, alleged that Harry had destroyed text messages with the ghostwriter of his memoir, "Spare." Harry's lawyer denied these claims, accusing News Group Newspapers of a "classic fishing expedition" by requesting documents late in the case.
In the documentary, Harry also reflected on his mother, Princess Diana, and how her experiences with the press influenced his decisions. "Paranoia is a very interesting word, because yes, then it could be paranoia," Harry said, referring to headlines about his split from then-girlfriend Chelsy Davy. "But when you're vindicated, it proves that you weren't being paranoid."
Harry suggested that Diana was likely one of the first people to be hacked, stating, "There is evidence to suggest that she was being hacked in the mid-90s. Probably one of the first people to be hacked." Although it has never been proven that Diana's phone was hacked, the case highlighted the invasive nature of tabloid journalism.
Harry contrasted his approach with that of his brother, Prince William, who settled out of court with News Group Newspapers. "This is something that needs to be done. It would be nice if we did it as a family. I believe that from a service standpoint and when you're in a public role that these are the things that we should be doing for the greater good," Harry said.
The interview reveals the deep-seated frustration and disillusionment Harry feels toward his family's handling of the media. "For me, the mission continues," he reiterated, though he admitted that his actions have strained his relationship with the rest of the royal family.
As Harry continues his mission to hold the tabloids accountable, he also seems open to mending family ties. According to sources, he is "very anxious" to return to the UK for his birthday in September and hopes to meet with King Charles and Princess Anne. Whether his family will join him remains uncertain, but there is a clear desire from both sides to reconnect, particularly for the sake of Harry's children, Archie and Lilibet.
The upcoming 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, announced by Harry, may serve as an opportunity for the royal family to come together. As the Duke of Sussex navigates his complex relationship with both his family and the media, his commitment to his causes remains unwavering.
