Princess Diana's brother says she would be 'rightly proud' of Prince Harry after NGN apology

Princess Diana would be "rightly proud" of Prince Harry after his High Court settlement with News Group Newspaper (NGN) her brother, Earl Spencer has said.

The duke's legal win, which was announced on Wednesday, included an "unequivocal apology" from NGN for a "serious intrusion" involving unlawful tactics by private investigators linked to The Sun.

The apology also acknowledged past intrusions into the personal life of Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana.

Harry, 40, claimed he was a target of journalists and hired snoops from NGN and the defunct News of the World. In response, the publishing giant expressed regret over how their actions impacted his mother.

Taking to social media platform X, Earl Spencer commended Prince Harry for his courage and perseverance: "It takes an enormous amount of guts to take on opponents like News Group Newspapers, and great tenacity to win."

He celebrated his nephew's achievement: "And it’s just wonderful that Harry fought for - and gained - an apology to his mother."

Earl Spencer reflected on what Diana’s reaction might have been: "She would be incredibly touched at that and rightly proud."

The same sentiment echoed across Earl Spencer's Instagram post. Meanwhile, this occasion marks the first admission of illicit activities at The Sun, according to one of the legal professionals involved in the case.

At the hearing, Prince Harry's barrister David Sherborne stated, "In a monumental victory today, News UK has admitted that The Sun, the flagship title for Rupert Murdoch’s UK media empire, has indeed engaged in illegal practices.

"This represents a vindication for the hundreds of other claimants who were strong-armed into settling, without being able to get to the truth of what was done to them."

Lord Tom Watson, the former Labour deputy leader, also reached a settlement in his claim after receiving a "full and unequivocal" apology and substantial damages for "unwarranted intrusion" into his privacy during his governmental role by the News of the World.

Addressing the press outside the courthouse, Lord Watson honoured Harry's efforts, stating: "His bravery and astonishing courage ... have brought accountability to a segment of the media deemed untouchable."

The duke's dealings with the press are complicated, having seen first-hand the excessive attention his late mother, Diana, endured from the media daily.

The former Princess of Wales tragically lost her life in a car accident in Paris while being pursued by paparazzi with Harry being just 12-years-old at the time of her death.

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