News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of The Sun, has issued a formal apology to Prince Harry for years of "serious intrusion" into his and his late mother Princess Diana's private lives. The unprecedented admission comes as part of a settlement reached on January 22, resolving Harry's legal battle against Rupert Murdoch's media empire.

The apology acknowledges decades of invasive coverage by The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World, including phone hacking, surveillance, and the misuse of private information. NGN also offered "substantial damages," reportedly exceeding $12 million, to cover legal costs and compensate for the harm caused.

Apology Extends to Princess Diana

In a rare move, NGN also expressed regret for the impact of its unethical journalism on Princess Diana. The statement acknowledged "serious intrusion" into her private life, particularly during Harry's younger years. This marks the first time the publisher has publicly admitted wrongdoing in its coverage of the Princess of Wales, whose untimely death in 1997 followed years of relentless media scrutiny.

"NGN offers a full and unequivocal apology to the Duke of Sussex for the serious intrusion by The Sun between 1996 and 2011," the statement read. "We also apologize for the distress caused to the Duke by the intrusion into his late mother’s private life. We recognize the lasting impact this has had on his relationships, friendships, and family."

A Troubled Legacy of Press Intrusion

Prince Harry, now 40, has been outspoken about his contentious relationship with the press, particularly in the wake of his mother’s tragic death. Princess Diana, known as the "People’s Princess," was famously hounded by paparazzi. She died in a car crash in Paris in August 1997 while being pursued by photographers. Her death, and the media's role in it, profoundly shaped Harry's views on privacy and fueled his advocacy for media reform.

The Duke of Sussex has often spoken about the emotional toll that the relentless press coverage took on him and his family. At The New York Times' Dealbook Summit in December 2024, Harry reflected on the damaging impact of invasive journalism and emphasized the need for accountability within the media industry.

A Settlement Years in the Making

The settlement spans a period from 1996 to 2011, a time when Harry was growing up in the shadow of his mother's death and enduring heightened media attention. NGN admitted to employing private investigators and other unlawful tactics to gather information about the Duke. The apology and financial settlement signal a significant victory for Harry, who has been a vocal critic of unethical journalism practices.

Harry’s Commitment to Change

This resolution aligns with Harry's broader mission to address media misconduct. In recent years, he and wife Meghan Markle have taken a stand against intrusive coverage, advocating for privacy rights and ethical reporting. Harry has also used his platform to shed light on the long-term consequences of media exploitation, particularly in the digital age.

The apology from NGN is not just a vindication for Prince Harry but also a step toward acknowledging the damaging legacy of invasive journalism that shaped his and Princess Diana’s lives. For Harry, it’s a moment of reckoning that honors his late mother’s memory and underscores his commitment to protecting future generations from similar harm.