The Duke of Sussex, 39, had sued Mirror Group Newspapers, claiming Daily and Sunday Mirror and Sunday People journalists used information gathering including intercepting his phone voicemails.
In a statement read outside court by his barrister, David Sherborne, Harry said the case had revealed “a systemic practice of unlawful and appalling behaviour”.
But hours later, former Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan, 58, said outside his London home: “I had then and still have zero knowledge of how that particular story was gathered.
“I also want to reiterate, as I’ve consistently said for many years now, I’ve never hacked a phone or told anyone else to and nobody has provided any actual evidence to prove that I did.”
The judge, Mr Justice Fancourt, concluded Harry’s phone was probably hacked “to a modest extent” by the publisher.
He said 15 of 33 articles about the Duke were from hacking his mobile or those of his associates, or “other unlawful information gathering”. He said it was “widespread” at the Mirror titles from 1996 and phone hacking was “habitual” from 1998.
The activity was “concealed” from Parliament, shareholders and the MGN board, he said. Harry’s statement said: “Today is a great day for truth, as well as accountability.
“This case is not just about hacking – it is about a systemic practice of unlawful and appalling behaviour, followed by cover-ups and destruction of evidence, the shocking scale of which can only be revealed through these proceedings.
“I’ve been told that slaying dragons will get you burned but, in light of today’s victory and the importance of doing what is needed for a free and honest press, it is a worthwhile price to pay. The mission continues.”
He said acts listed in the judgment were “prime examples of what happens when the power of the press is abused”.
Similar claims were also brought by Coronation Street stars Michael Turner, 59 – known professionally as Michael Le Vell – and Nikki Sanderson, 39, and Fiona Wightman, the ex-wife of comedian Paul Whitehouse.
Ms Sanderson and Ms Wightman’s claims were dismissed because they were made too late.
Mr Turner was awarded a total of £31,650.
MGN said: “We welcome today’s judgment that gives the business the necessary clarity to move forward from events that took place many years ago.
“Where historical wrongdoing took place, we apologise unreservedly, have taken full responsibility and paid appropriate compensation.”
