In January 2008, it revealed details that Prince Harry was with the British army serving in Afghanistan, in breach of an agreement with the major news organisations.

When the United States Drudge Report ran the story on 28 February 2008, the prince was forced to abandon his posting and return to the UK.

We sincerely apologise to all our readers, to the servicemen whose lives are at constant risk while serving at home and abroad and to their families and loved ones."

New Idea was criticised on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Media Watch for the use of sensationalist headlines and content.

[12] In 2016, actress Eliza Szonert threatened to sue New Idea because the magazine refused to pay her an agreed sum of A$7000 for a tell-all interview about claiming back her child from an ex-partner living overseas, with the magazine claiming she had lied about entering drug rehabilitation.