Prince Harry’s Lawsuit Against Rupert Murdoch’s Tabloids Adjourned Amid Possible Last-Minute Settlement

Trial Adjourned Amid Settlement Offer

On Tuesday, Prince Harry's lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch's London tabloids for unlawful information gathering saw its long-anticipated trial open but was immediately adjourned. The adjournment came amid indications the prince was considering a last-minute settlement offer from Mr. Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers.

Legal Maneuvering and Potential Risks

Harry’s lawyer petitioned the judge for an hour, subsequently requesting another delay until 2 p.m. London time. During the recess, lawyers congregated in the hallways of the High Court, which swarmed with journalists eager to cover a trial seen as the final major legal resolution for victims of the phone hacking scandal that has marred Britain’s news media over a decade ago.

If Harry accepts the settlement, he could evade substantial financial risk, irrespective of the court's ruling. Under English law, he would be responsible for covering both parties' legal costs – potentially running into the tens of millions of dollars – if the court does not award him an amount proportionate to the settlement offer made by News Group Newspapers.

Implications for News Group

For News Group, an acceptance of settlement would forestall weeks of damaging testimonies concerning phone hacking and other unlawful methods employed by its journalists to unearth information about Harry and other notable figures. The company, which refutes the accusations, has settled similar claims with hundreds of other plaintiffs over the years.