Tue Jan 21 17:26:13 UTC 2025: ## Prince Harry’s Phone-Hacking Trial Delayed Amid Settlement Talks

**London, UK** – The highly anticipated trial of Prince Harry and former Labour MP Tom Watson against News Group Newspapers (NGN), Rupert Murdoch’s publishing group, has been delayed due to ongoing settlement discussions. The case, which alleges unlawful activities by journalists and private investigators working for NGN’s titles, *The Sun* and the now-defunct *News of the World*, was set to begin an eight-week run at London’s High Court.

However, on Tuesday, the judge, Mr. Justice Timothy Fancourt, granted a request for an adjournment to allow further negotiations between the parties. While NGN’s lawyer cited “time difference difficulties” – a likely reference to Prince Harry’s residence in California – the judge ultimately refused further delays, stating that the adjournment must be final. He allowed some lawyers to continue discussions while the trial formally commences. The judge also rejected a request for a private meeting and an appeal, leaving the parties to appeal directly to the Court of Appeal.

Prince Harry has consistently stated his goal is not financial compensation, but accountability for the alleged unlawful activities. This follows previous settlements by other claimants who opted to avoid potentially crippling legal costs even if victorious. NGN has already paid out hundreds of millions of pounds in settlements related to phone hacking and other illegal information gathering. Prince Harry’s legal team revealed that his brother, Prince William, settled a similar case with NGN in 2020.

NGN, while acknowledging the settlements related to *News of the World*, denies any unlawful activity at *The Sun* and intends to contest the claims vigorously. Prince Harry is expected to testify in February. The trial is now expected to proceed, albeit delayed, with the potential for a settlement still on the table.

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