Prince Harry Settles Phone Hacking Legal Claim

Prince Harry has reached a settlement in his phone-hacking claims against Mirror Group Newspapers, ending a four-year legal battle.

The publishers will cover all of Prince Harry's legal expenses and pay approximately £300,000 in additional damages, according to sources.

The settlement pertains to 115 stories involving allegations of unlawful intrusion spanning from 1996 to 2010.

David Sherborne, the lawyer representing Prince Harry, declared outside the High Court that "our mission continues."

He criticized former Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan, accusing him of being aware of the phone-hacking activities during his tenure.

The court had previously ruled in December that there was "widespread and habitual" use of phone hacking at the media group.

Last June, Prince Harry spent two days in court addressing claims that the information in question could only have been obtained through unlawful means.

Former editor Piers Morgan, who served from 1995 to 2004, denied any knowledge of phone hacking attempts by newspaper staff.

In response to the settlement, Piers Morgan stated, "I totally agree with Prince Harry that ruthless intrusion into the private lives of the royal family for financial gain is utterly reprehensible... and I hope he stops doing it."

Mr. Justice Fancourt criticized the "extremely confrontational way" the legal battle was conducted by both parties.

In December, Prince Harry was awarded £140,600 in damages for 15 claims against Mirror Group Newspapers.

The recent settlement covers an additional 115 stories, and it is estimated that the prince will receive around £300,000 in total damages.

Mirror Group Newspapers, now owned by Reach PLC, expressed satisfaction with the agreement, allowing them to "move forward from events that took place many years ago and for which we have apologized."

The media group previously apologized for historical wrongdoing, accepted responsibility, and paid compensation.

Prince Harry was one of several high-profile figures accusing Mirror Group Newspapers of unlawful intrusion into their private lives.

The settlement on Friday avoided a potential further trial for the 115 articles in question.

In a statement outside the court, Mr. Sherborne emphasized the "extremely damning" judgment and called for authorities to uphold the rule of law, including addressing Piers Morgan's role.

The statement concluded by affirming that Prince Harry's mission would continue until its conclusion.