The Sun UK Apologises to Prince Harry in Historic Settlement

A Landmark Moment for British Media

The Sun is a British tabloid newspaper, published by the News Group Newspapers division of News UK, itself a wholly owned subsidiary of Lachlan Murdoch’s News Corp. In January 2025, the newspaper made headlines not for its stories, but for becoming part of one itself when the owner of The Sun newspaper offered a “full and unequivocal apology” to Prince Harry for “serious intrusion” into his private life, and agreed to pay him “substantial damages”.

What the Settlement Means

The historic settlement came just as the trial was set to begin, ending a five-year legal battle. News Group offered a “full and unequivocal apology to the Duke of Sussex” for “the phone hacking, surveillance and misuse of private information by journalists and private investigators instructed by them,” with activities spanning from 1996 to 2011. A source familiar with the settlement said the damages involved an eight-figure sum.

This marks the first time NGN has admitted wrongdoing against Prince Harry, even if it falls short of explicitly admitting unlawful activity by Sun journalists. The apology also extended to intrusion into the private life of Princess Diana, acknowledging the impact on Harry during his younger years.

The Sun’s Role in British Media

Known for its sensational headlines and engaging stories, The Sun covers a variety of topics, including breaking news, celebrity gossip, sports, and entertainment. The Sun had the largest daily newspaper circulation in the United Kingdom, but was overtaken by freesheet rival Metro in March 2018.

The newspaper has embraced the digital age, with The Sun Online reaching millions of readers globally. However, The Sun has been involved in many controversies in its history, with some of the most notable being their coverage of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.

Looking Forward

The settlement represents a significant moment for media accountability in the United Kingdom. Before Wednesday, the publisher had already paid out around £1 billion ($1.2 billion) including legal costs, according to British media, and has never seen a case go to trial. For readers and observers of British journalism, this case underscores the importance of ethical reporting practices and the ongoing evolution of press standards in the digital age.

As The Sun continues its operations as one of Britain’s most-read newspapers, this landmark apology serves as a reminder of the balance media organisations must strike between public interest journalism and respecting individual privacy rights.