The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry (40), has decided to cancel his upcoming trip to the UK after settling his long-standing legal case against News Group Newspapers (NGN) earlier this week.
The royal was originally scheduled to testify in court in February. With the case now settled, Harry has opted not to return to London and instead will be traveling to Canada for the 2025 Invictus Games, set to take place in both Vancouver and Whistler.
A significant High Court trial was set to commence in London next month, involving multiple adjournments and a Court of Appeal appeal. However, following the settlement, Harry’s barrister, David Sherborne, announced that the parties had “reached an agreement” and that NGN had offered a full and unequivocal apology to the Duke.
According to Sherborne, NGN acknowledges and apologizes for the intrusion into Prince Harry’s private life between 1996 and 2011, including incidents of unlawful activities carried out by private investigators.
The company also apologizes for phone hacking, surveillance, and the misuse of private information, as well as the impact on Prince Harry’s relationships, friendships, and family.
NGN has agreed to pay substantial damages to the Duke of Sussex, with a statement confirming the apology and settlement being made without admitting any illegality. The company also expresses regret over its response to a 2006 arrest and subsequent actions.
The settlement marks a significant development in Prince Harry’s ongoing battle against NGN, and his decision to cancel the UK trip reflects the royal’s focus on his future commitments, including the 2025 Invictus Games.
