Prince Harry has revealed that the intense and prolonged battle with British tabloids was a key factor in the rift between him and the royal family. In a recent interview on ITV, Harry spoke candidly about the impact of his legal victory against a major British tabloid, describing it as both a personal triumph and a source of deep family tension.

Last year, Prince Harry experienced a significant legal win when a High Court judge ruled that Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) had unlawfully gathered personal information on him for their stories. This ruling was part of a broader investigation into unethical practices by British tabloids, culminating in the ITV documentary “Tabloids on Trial,” which aired on Thursday. In the documentary, Harry provided detailed insights into the methods employed by tabloids, including voicemail interception, unlawful information gathering, and the use of private investigators to obtain credit card details and flight information for him and his romantic partners over the years.

In December 2023, Prince Harry was awarded £140,600 in damages after the UK High Court found that MGN had extensively hacked his phone from 2006 to 2011. Justice Fancourt concluded that 15 articles published by MGN were based on unlawfully gathered information, including hacked voicemail messages and data obtained by private investigators. MGN acknowledged the ruling, stating they welcomed the judgment as it provided clarity to move forward from past events. They also issued an unconditional apology, took full responsibility, and agreed to pay appropriate compensation.

Prince Harry likened the legal battle to a “David vs Goliath situation,” emphasizing the daunting challenge faced by individuals against a powerful media conglomerate. “The Davids are the claimants, and the Goliath is this vast media enterprise,” he explained to ITV News correspondent Rebecca Barry. The documentary also featured other celebrities, such as Hugh Grant, who shared their own legal struggles against British tabloids.

When questioned about the extent to which his fight against the tabloids had damaged his relationship with his family, Prince Harry admitted that it was “certainly a central piece.” He acknowledged the difficulty of discussing his family, noting that any comments he made often led to a barrage of media criticism. Despite feeling vindicated by the legal victory, Harry expressed regret that his family did not support him in the court case. “It would be nice if we did it as a family,” he lamented.

Prince Harry’s battle with the press has been a long and arduous journey, marked by significant personal and legal challenges. His victory against MGN highlights the ongoing struggle between public figures and the media, as well as the deep impact such battles can have on personal relationships and family dynamics. The rift between Harry and the royal family, exacerbated by the relentless pursuit of justice against the tabloids, underscores the complex interplay between public scrutiny and private life.

As Harry continues to navigate his path forward, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the price of fame and the enduring quest for truth and justice. The documentary “Tabloids on Trial” not only sheds light on the unethical practices of the press but also provides a platform for those affected to share their stories and seek accountability.