MGN Apologizes for Unlawful Information Gathering of Prince Harry and Other Celebrities in High Court Trial

The publisher of British tabloid the Daily Mirror has admitted to unlawfully gathering information about Prince Harry and other celebrities and apologized for its actions. The trial, which began Wednesday at London’s High Court, pits the Duke of Sussex and other U.K. celebrities, including popstar Cheryl Cole and the estate of the late George Michael, against the Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN).

MGN has denied that it hacked phones to intercept voicemail messages, but acknowledged there was “some evidence of the instruction of third parties to engage in other types of UIG (unlawful information gathering) in respect of each of the claimants.” The company has also argued that some of the claims against it have been brought beyond the permissible time limit and denied some others.

In court documents released Wednesday, MGN said it was “sorry for the activities that have been accepted” and that it “will not tolerate such activities in the future.” The company also said it “acknowledges that compensation is warranted” and that it will “make appropriate payments to the claimants.”

The trial is expected to last several weeks and will determine whether the Mirror Group is liable for damages for the alleged phone hacking. The case is being closely watched by the British media, as it could set a precedent for how the press is regulated in the U.K.