In a surprising turn of events, Prince Harry has settled his legal case against Rupert Murdoch’s British tabloids, just as the trial was set to begin. The lawsuit, which accused the media group of unlawful information gathering, was seen as Harry’s effort to hold the press accountable for past misconduct.

The settlement means both sides avoid a lengthy and potentially damaging trial. Harry, 40, had initially framed the case as a moral fight against invasive media practices. However, under English law, he faced the risk of covering both parties’ legal expenses if the court didn’t award him a sum close to what the tabloids had offered in the settlement.

News Group Newspapers, which denies the allegations, escapes the spotlight of a trial that could have revealed more about its alleged use of phone hacking and other questionable tactics. For Harry, this decision removes the financial uncertainty that comes with prolonged litigation.

The case was part of a broader effort by the prince to challenge media intrusion, but with this settlement, it joins hundreds of similar claims that have been resolved outside of court. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.