Prince Harry Loses Court Bid to Name Rupert Murdoch in Hacking Claim
Prince Harry's attempt to include new allegations against Rupert Murdoch in his legal case against News Group Newspapers was rejected. The High Court ruled Murdoch’s knowledge didn't add material value. Harry’s expanded case will go to trial in January 2025.
Prince Harry's bid to include new allegations against Rupert Murdoch in his legal action against News Group Newspapers (NGN) was rejected by the High Court.
On Tuesday, Mr Justice Fancourt ruled that Murdoch’s alleged knowledge of unlawful activities did not add material value to the case.
Harry and others are suing NGN for phone hacking and unlawful information gathering.
NGN, which denies these allegations, has been 'thoroughly vindicated' by the court's decision to refuse amendments to the case.
Harry's requests to extend the timeline back to 1994 and to include claims about the targeting of Meghan Markle were also denied.
However, he is allowed to add claims of landline phone tapping.
Lawyers for Harry had argued that Murdoch was aware of wrongdoing at NGN, accusations dismissed by the judge as immaterial.
The expanded case is set for trial in January 2025.