
Prince Harry’s legal victory against Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers has been a long and hard-fought battle, culminating in a substantial financial settlement. After years of dealing with phone hacking, surveillance, and misuse of private information, Harry and Labour Lord Tom Watson reached an out-of-court settlement. The amount, estimated at around £10 million ($12.5 million), was seen as a major win, particularly given the involvement of controversial figures like Piers Morgan in the case.
However, Harry’s newfound life in the U.S. complicates matters. While U.K. laws do not tax legal damages, the U.S. requires its residents to pay taxes on foreign earnings that haven’t already been taxed. This means that despite the substantial sum awarded to him, Harry will be faced with a significant tax bill, potentially leaving him with far less than expected. The prince’s costly lifestyle and high legal fees add to the sting of this financial setback, making the victory feel less sweet.
Though Harry’s legal victory included an apology from News Group Newspapers, the financial blow of U.S. tax rules might overshadow it. Moreover, Harry’s high-profile involvement in the case has drawn attention to broader concerns about media ethics, with actor Hugh Grant calling for a criminal investigation into NGN’s practices. Despite the complex financial aftermath, Harry’s settlement marks a vindication for him in a long-running scandal, affirming his stance against unlawful media practices.