Prince Harry vs. Rupert Murdoch: A royal rumble in the tabloid jungle

Prince Harry has pledged to continue his legal fight against Rupert Murdoch’s British tabloids. Speaking at The New York Times DealBook Summit, the Duke of Sussex criticized unethical practices by some journalists, which he believes erode public trust in the profession.

Harry’s lawsuit, centered on allegations of phone hacking, is set to go to trial next month in London. While originally part of a larger group of 40 claimants, only Harry and one other individual have chosen to proceed, as many plaintiffs have settled. Undeterred, Harry remains committed to seeking justice for himself and the 1,300 others affected by similar actions.

“The goal is accountability,” Harry said. “I refuse to let these journalists destroy the credibility of journalism, which society relies on so heavily.”


Drawing a stark contrast, Harry praised journalists like Nobel laureate Maria Ressa, who risk their lives to report in oppressive regimes, arguing that unethical tabloid practices undermine the essential role of principled reporting.

Despite the high financial costs of his legal battle, which may exceed any potential payout, Harry stressed the importance of forging ahead. He also hinted at the need for tighter regulation of social media platforms, criticizing their role in spreading misinformation without sufficient oversight.

Injecting humor into the serious discussion, Harry joked the conversation felt like “group therapy.” He also reflected on the personal strain media scrutiny has placed on his family, referencing their 2020 decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to the United States.

While avoiding specifics about his phone-hacking case or other controversies, including the loss of his police security in Britain, Harry’s resolve to hold tabloid media accountable remains unwavering as he stands against one of the most influential media conglomerates in the world.