Prince Harry and former deputy Labour leader Tom Watson are in talks with the publisher of the Sun over a potential settlement, halting their high-profile trial in London. The trial was initially set to start on Tuesday but was delayed until the afternoon after both sides requested two adjournments.
The delay comes as News Group Newspapers (NGN) denies any unlawful activity took place at the Sun, which is being sued by Prince Harry and Lord Watson over allegations of information gathering. The parties have been engaged in intense negotiations, with counsel for both sides saying they are “very close” to reaching an agreement.
According to Anthony Hudson KC, for NGN, time difference issues were a significant challenge, but he believes that resolving these issues could make a “significant difference” in the case. David Sherborne, representing Prince Harry and Lord Watson, echoed this sentiment, stating that their request for delay was not taken lightly and stood a good prospect of saving court time.
The trial judge, Mr Justice Fancourt, refused a third joint request to adjourn until Wednesday, saying that both sides had ample time to reach an agreement. However, he did allow the parties to appeal against his decision before the trial resumes on Wednesday at 10am.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jan/21/prince-harry-in-talks-sun-publisher-ngn-possible-settlement-high-court