PRINCE Harry settled his legal action against News Group Newspapers (NGN) today, with the company offering a “full and unequivocal” apology for “serious intrusion” by the Sun and for phone hacking by private investigators working for the now-defunct News of the World.

The royal’s allegations that he was targeted by journalists and private investigators working for Rupert Murdoch’s company were due to be heard in a High Court trial.

Following “endless resistance, denials and legal battles” by NGN, his barrister David Sherborne announced that the parties had “reached an agreement” and that the company would pay “substantial damages.”

Outside the court, Mr Sherborne said the agreements represented “vindication” for hundreds of other claimants who were strong-armed into settling.

Hacked Off’s Emma Jones said: “The Sun has spent years denigrating the individuals and campaigners, including Hacked Off, who have alleged illegal activity at the newspaper and forced 1,300 people through legal action to uphold their rights.

“It is now clear that the public and Parliament were lied to by the newspaper and its publisher as part of the most extraordinary corporate cover-up in living memory.”