Prince Harry’s lengthy legal fight with the publisher of The Sun has reached a surprising conclusion. Just before the trial was set to begin, the Duke of Sussex settled the case, calling it a “monumental victory.” For years, Harry claimed that journalists and private investigators for the newspaper group unlawfully targeted him and his family between 1996 and 2011.

The publisher, News Group Newspapers (NGN), issued a full apology for the intrusive actions taken by The Sun during that time. They admitted to using private investigators for illegal activities, including phone hacking and surveillance. NGN also expressed regret for the distress caused to Harry and his family, acknowledging the harm done to his relationships and offering to pay him substantial damages. While the exact amount hasn’t been disclosed, reports suggest it’s in the eight-figure range, including legal costs.

This isn’t the first time NGN has faced scrutiny. Over the years, they’ve settled more than 1,300 claims related to phone hacking, costing the Murdoch media empire over £1 billion. Harry’s lawyer, David Sherborne, highlighted the significance of this settlement, calling it a win for all those who were pressured into earlier settlements without uncovering the full truth.

Former Labour Party deputy leader Tom Watson, who also settled with NGN, had accused the tabloids of unlawful information gathering during his time in government. Watson had previously investigated the Murdoch newspapers during the infamous phone hacking scandal, which led to the closure of News of the World in 2011.

For Harry, this settlement marks a significant step in his ongoing battles with the British press. It’s a reminder of the impact of media intrusion on personal lives and relationships—something Harry has been vocal about for years.

This story is still developing, and updates are expected.