In a rare moment of candor, the Duke of Sussex has opened up about the strained relationships he shares with his royal relatives.

Speaking out after a prolonged period of silence, he recently reached out to congratulate the Princess of Wales on her impressive performance at Wimbledon.

This gesture, however, comes amid a backdrop of ongoing tensions and legal disputes with the media.

The Duke is set to appear in an upcoming episode of “Tabloids on Trial,” which airs on ITV this Thursday.

In a preview clip, journalist Becca Barry posed a poignant question: how has his determination to combat tabloid press affected his familial connections?

The Duke’s response was revealing; he expressed that his legal struggles with the media have significantly contributed to the breakdown of these important family ties.

“It’s challenging to answer,” he admitted, noting that any comments he makes regarding his family often lead to a barrage of negative press coverage.

He emphasized the need for collective action, suggesting that as public figures, they should ideally work together for the greater good.

“It would be wonderful if we could do this as a family,” he remarked, hinting at a desire for unity amidst the chaos.

When asked about his family’s reluctance to engage in similar legal battles, the Duke stated, “Everything that has unfolded has made the truth evident.”

His determination to continue fighting for what he believes in remains strong, even as he acknowledges the distance it has created between him and his loved ones.

The conversation then shifted towards the ongoing lawsuit against Mirror Group Newspapers.

The Duke’s legal team claims that the publisher has agreed to pay him a significant settlement due to unlawful intrusions into his private life, including phone hacking.

According to his attorney, David Sherburn, Mirror Group has offered an upfront payment of $505,000 to resolve the matter and cover all associated legal expenses.

This case follows a judge’s ruling that confirmed widespread phone hacking practices at Mirror Group during the late 1990s, a scandal that persisted for over a decade and was subsequently concealed by tabloid executives.

In December, the Duke received $177,000 in damages as part of this legal victory, a moment he described as a substantial relief.

“The court’s decision to rule in our favor was a monumental achievement,” the Duke declared, expressing gratitude for the outcome of the trial.

This victory not only vindicates his claims but also sheds light on the broader issues surrounding press ethics and privacy.