Prince Harry has scored what he calls a “monumental victory” after settling his long-running legal fight with the publisher of The Sun. The Duke of Sussex accused News Group Newspapers (NGN) of unlawfully spying on him and his family for years, and the case was settled just before it was set to go to trial.

NGN, which also owns the now-defunct News of the World, issued a public apology for invading Harry’s privacy. The company admitted to hiring private investigators who used illegal tactics like phone hacking and surveillance. They also apologized for the harm caused to Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana.

As part of the settlement, NGN agreed to pay Harry a hefty sum—reportedly in the eight figures—to cover damages and legal fees. This payout adds to the over £1 billion ($1.24 billion) the Murdoch media empire has already spent on legal battles related to the phone hacking scandal.

Harry’s lawyer, David Sherborne, called the outcome a “vindication” for others who were pressured into settling similar cases without uncovering the full truth. He accused NGN of spending years denying wrongdoing and paying off those who knew what really happened.

Tom Watson, a former Labour Party deputy leader and Harry’s co-claimant, also settled his case. Watson alleged he was targeted by The Sun during his time in government, particularly while investigating the Murdoch newspapers’ involvement in the phone hacking scandal.

This settlement marks another chapter in the ongoing fallout from the British tabloid industry’s darkest days. For Harry, it’s not just about the money—it’s about holding powerful media entities accountable for their actions.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.

Reporting by Max Foster contributed to this article.