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He’s clearly not giving up.
A defiant Prince Harry is demanding a second hacking trial “as soon as possible” against the Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) unless his demands for compensation are met.
The prince made history last year by becoming the first royal in over 100 years to step into the witness box at London’s high court in his case against the UK publishing house.
He had sued MGN, the publisher of several now-defunct UK tabloids, for using illegal methods, such as phone hacking and private investigators, to gain private information on him between 1996 and 2010.
He told the court that the constant media intrusion had made him paranoid and suspicious of everyone around him.
It also destroyed many of his personal relationships, including one with his long-term former girlfriend, Chelsy Davy.
READ MORE | Prince Harry says tabloid media nuked his relationship with Chelsy Davy
In December the court ruled partially in the prince’s favour.
In his ruling, Mr Justice Fancourt concluded that 15 out of 33 articles had come from hacking. He threw out the remaining 17, branding one "hopeless".
These articles, however, were only a “sample” of 148 Harry had complained about.
He is now set to pursue the remaining 115 in a second trial expected to last seven to 10 days.
Harry’s lawyer, David Sherborne, said the directions for trial should be made as soon as possible, while MGN’s lawyers said in their written submission that settlement offers (the sums of which have not been disclosed) had been made to the prince.
After his win last year, Harry declared himself a “dragon slayer” and vowed to continue his crusade against the press.
“Today’s ruling is vindicating and affirming,” the prince said in a statement.
“I’ve been told that slaying dragons will get you burnt but in light of today’s victory and the importance of doing what is needed for a free and honest press, it is a worthwhile price to pay.
“The mission continues."
Sources: dailymail.co.uk, independent.co.uk, reuters.com, ETonline
