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.”