Prince Harry cancels trip to the UK after happy news - details

The Duke of Sussex will no longer travel to the UK next month after settling his legal case against News Group Newspapers on Wednesday.

Prince Harry, 40, was scheduled to testify in court in February. But since he settled his High Court claim, the royal will no longer return to London.

Instead, Harry is set to travel to Canada for the 2025 Invictus Games, taking place in both Vancouver and Whistler.

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The Duke was offered a "full and unequivocal apology" for "serious intrusion" by The Sun and for phone hacking by private investigators working for the News of the World.

Harry alleged he was targeted by journalists and private investigators working for News Group Newspapers (NGN), which also published the now-defunct News Of The World.

An up-to-ten-week trial was set to begin at the High Court in London on Tuesday, but three requests for adjournments and a Court of Appeal bid meant that the case remained unopened.

After the settlement, Harry's barrister David Sherborne said that the parties had "reached an agreement" and that NGN had offered an apology to the Duke and would pay "substantial damages".

"I am pleased to announce to the court that the parties have reached an agreement," he said. "As a result of the parties reaching an agreement, I would ask formally that the trial is vacated."

He continued: "NGN offers a full and unequivocal apology to the Duke of Sussex for the serious intrusion by The Sun between 1996 and 2011 into his private life, including incidents of unlawful activities carried out by private investigators working for The Sun.

"NGN also offers a full and unequivocal apology to the Duke of Sussex for the phone hacking, surveillance and misuse of private information by journalists and private investigators instructed by them at the News Of The World. 

"NGN further apologises to the Duke for the impact on him of the extensive coverage and serious intrusion into his private life as well as the private life of Diana, Princess of Wales, his late mother, in particular during his younger years.

"We acknowledge and apologise for the distress caused to the Duke, and the damage inflicted on relationships, friendships and family, and have agreed to pay him substantial damages. It is also acknowledged, without any admission of illegality, that NGN’s response to the 2006 arrests and subsequent actions were regrettable."

When Harry lodged his claim over five years ago, he accused NGN of unlawful information gathering.

Between 1996 and 2011, he claimed that journalists and private investigators employed by NGN illegally accessed his personal information.

Around 40 other claimants, including the likes of Hugh Grant and Sienna Miller, have already settled claims against Murdoch's group.

Harry's legal battle was just one of several ongoing disputes involving the Duke and the UK government over security provisions for his visits.